FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBIA, SC (July 15, 2020) — After serving as South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Bishop for 12 year, the Rev. Dr. Herman R. Yoos, III is retiring. In the ELCA, Synod Bishops serve six-year terms. Bishop Yoos, who has served two-terms as South Carolina Synod Bishop, began his ministry as Synod Bishop on August 1, 2008.
“I decided this fall that twelve years was a significant time for me and that it is a good time for this Synod to elect a new bishop,” Yoos said. He continued, “I am looking forward to more time with my four grandchildren and to being a part time Spiritual Director.”
Following his ordination in 1979, Yoos served as pastor to three congregations in the Carolinas, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC; Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Charleston, SC; and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC prior to being elected Bishop of the South Carolina Synod, ELCA in 2008.
When asked to name the most important changes within the denomination during his time in office Yoos replied, “the biggest shift is the move of the ELCA towards making Congregational Vitality and Cultivating Leadership as our top two priorities.”
Even in retirement, Yoos will remain involved with the Church. “I think through spiritual direction with Pastors, deacons and lay persons that I will continue to make a contribution.”
A new bishop will be elected this weekend during the South Carolina Synod Assembly which will be held online. The new bishop will assume office on August 31, 2020. The installation service for the new bishop will take place September 19, 2020.
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3.6 million members in more than 9,200 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. The ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
About the South Carolina Synod:
The South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has nearly 52,000 members worshiping in 150 congregations across the state of South Carolina. We Lutherans in South Carolina are part of a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace — and there’s room for all here. We seek to respond to God’s love by loving him and serving the people he has created not only in the state of South Carolina, but in many parts of the globe.
For information contact:
Neal F. Fischer
Director of Communications
803-509-8325 or 607-349-8072
neal@scsynod.com
