Kristen Papson, Erie, Pa., was elected June 14 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. The election took place during the synod assembly, June 13-14 at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa.
Papson was elected on the fifth ballot, with 49 votes. Michael Lozano, current bishop of the synod, received 45 votes. A total of 48 votes were required for election.
The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Erie, Pa., since 2015 and Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Erie since 2024. She will take office on Sept. 1 and be installed on Oct. 19 at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Oil City, Pa.
