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Community Corner

Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Reelects Bishop Robert Alan Rimbo

“This election was about embracing a strategic plan that strengthens our communities”

Bishop Robert Alan Rimbo has been reelected Bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by a margin of 225-216 on the fifth ballot of a vote by pastors and lay people representing 194 congregations in the Synod which serves almost 70,000 baptized members in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Duchess and Ulster Counties.

“I am deeply humbled by God's grace in calling me to serve another six-year term as Bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,” said Rimbo. "We can be proud that God has blessed our region with many talented leaders capable of serving as Bishop.”

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He particularly praised the Rev. Dr. J. Elise Brown, pastor of Advent Lutheran Church in Manhattan, and chair of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, who was offered for consideration on the final ballot alongside his candidacy. “Pastor Brown and the other designated nominees should be praised and thanked for offering to participate in the electoral process. Most importantly, we thank them for their continued service to ministry," said Bishop Rimbo.”

This year the Synod approved a strategic plan submitted by Bishop Rimbo that reinvests in its communities by seeking creative solutions for recommitting to ministry in places where its traditional presence may be enhanced to more fully serve the community.

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The Bishop was formerly the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City, and immediately prior to that, bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA. A graduate of Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Christ Seminary - Seminex, in St. Louis, Bishop Rimbo holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church.

Bishop Rimbo has served the church for decades including: pastorates in Michigan, New York and New Jersey; assistant to the bishop in the Southeast Michigan Synod; director of music in several parishes; and executive assistant to the project director for the Lutheran Book of Worship. He has worked as chaplain, editor, advisor, and coordinator for many boards and projects relating to worship and parish ministry.

Bishop Rimbo has influenced and guided social services, health, and music through board memberships with Lutheran Services New York Alliance, Lutheran Health Care (Brooklyn) and the national Lutheran Music Program. He is also a member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and of the North American Academy of Liturgy.

Bishop Rimbo is married to Lois, a retired elementary school reading and language arts specialist. They are the parents of two adult children, Deborah and Justin (married to Angela), and the grandparents of Owen Robert and Zoe Elizabeth.

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