As the chief minister of Word and Sacrament in the Synod, the bishop calls the Synod to action in God's mission to bless the world.
In May, 2006, the Synod Assembly elected the Rev. Claire S. Burkat to serve as bishop.
The bishop is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament who is called to oversee ministry in the Synod and its congregations, providing pastoral care and leadership for congregations and rostered leaders (ordained clergy and members of the rosters of lay professional leaders).
In addition to preaching, teaching, interpreting the theology of the Church and calling the Synod to mission, the bishop is responsible for coordinating the use of the Synod's staff and resources, cultivating communion in mission with ecumenical and interfaith partners, and relating to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the worldwide Lutheran communion.
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Bishop Burkat with leaders of one of our companion Synods, the North East Diocese of Tanzania. |
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Bishop Burkat is a co-convenor of the Religious Leaders Council of Philadelphia. Here at an RLC event she stands with Rabbi David Straus, Justin Cardinal Rigali, and Imam Anwar Muhaimin. |
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Bishops from many traditions and nations stood with Bishop Burkat when she was installed in a festival service in October, 2006. |
The Office of the Bishop
The Rev. Claire Schenot Burkat
Bishop
The Rev. Claire Schenot Burkat assumed office as the fourth bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on July 1, 2006. She serves as spiritual leader for about 95,000 members and nearly 170 ELCA congregations in the City of Philadelphia and Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.
During her tenure Bishop Burkat has streamlined the Synod staff and realigned staff roles with the key missional priorities of the Synod: connecting and resourcing congregations, evangelical outreach in the five county region, and empowering lay and clergy leaders. She has led the Synod through an extensive strategic planning process focusing on new priorities for Lutheran witness in the 21st century.
Read the bishop's full biography.
Contact: 267.323.3747 | | Facebook fan page
Upcoming Related Events
Related News
Purpose and Promise
"Christ is a purpose and a promise bigger than the troubles and trauma we encounter every day in our lives and our world," Bishop Claire S. Burkat writes in her Christmas message to the Synod. In all circumstances, but especially at Christmas, we can apply St. Paul's encouragement to express joy daily, pray as often as we breathe, and live in gratitude.
Missionaries Blessed To Serve
“I’m sure if someone had told you even 5 years ago that you would be gladly giving away and selling your worldly possessions to serve Christ, by giving yourselves to care for infants and preschoolers and to mentor teenagers learning to be childcare workers at the Irente Children’s Home… you would have laughed -- or cried,” Bishop Burkat told Tanzania missionaries Tom and Susan MacPherson at a sending service Oct. 23. “But Our Lord, who is rich in mercy and imagination…has chosen you for this very special safari,”
You're Invited to Fall Gatherings
Join your fellow Lutherans from across our synod for fun, fellowship and learning as we join Bishop Burkat in exploring the Prophet Isaiah’s promise that God is doing a new thing in our midst. All leaders and members are invited! Events start at 2:30 pm and end at 5. Choose any convenient location: Sunday, Oct. 16 at St. Luke, Devon /// Sunday, Oct. 30 at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Brossman Center /// Sunday, Nov. 6 at Trinity, Lansdale
Synod Welcomes Yvonne Curtis
Mrs. Yvonne Curtis is now serving the Synod as Interim Director of Operations. Yvonne brings a wealth of experience to this position. From 1994-1999 she served as executive administrative assistant to Bishop Almquist and more recently served as Executive Assistant in the Region 7 office. She is also completing a master of science degree in organizational development and leadership.
Hurricane Irene Update
As our region anticipates the arrival of Hurricane Irene, I write to let you know Bishop Burkat and the synod staff hold you and all of our congregations in prayer. It is clearly going to be a difficult weekend for many up and down the East Coast. Please be safe, and please be alert to the conditions and needs in your communities. Click below to read important storm-related announcements.
Synod News
Offices Closed Temporarily Due to Fire
Currently the synod office is closed to the public for repair of water damage after a fire in the building. Staff members are working in various locations and will check messages periodically. Thank you for your patience.
Lutheran Night at the Phillies June 1
Corrected information. The information distributed in the Jan. 19 SEPANews is incorrect. Please use this information instead. Mark your calendar for Lutheran Night at the Phillies on Friday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. vs. Miami. This is the 37th consecutive year for Lutheran Night. A portion of each ticket cost will support Synod youth ministry programs. Ordering information will be available soon. Plan on ordering promptly, as Phillies tickets go fast. A block of tickets has beenreserved for Lutheran groups on June 1. If those tickets sell out there will be an additional block available on an alternate date.