Episcopal Bishop at Royal Wedding Undergoes Prostate Cancer Surgery

The Presiding Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry underwent surgery for prostate cancer on July 31.

Curry, 65. became familiar to many in May after he delivered a stirring sermon during Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle in St. George’s Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Curry is the Episcopal Church’s first African-American leader.

“I am happy to say that the prognosis looks very good and quite positive,” Curry said in a recent statement. “I have spoken with several others who have gone through this, and who have offered both encouragement and helpful advice. I will be in the hospital for at least a day, then at home to recuperate.”

He added, “I’ve been told that 4-6 weeks is a reasonable time to anticipate. I plan to resume my duties in early September and I do not anticipate any significant changes in my commitments.”

Curry became the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church on June 27, 2015 at the general convention in Salt Lake City, one week after nine parishioners of color were shot at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church in Charleston, S.C. He was elected to a nine-year term and installed as the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church at Washington National Cathedral on Nov. 1, 2015. He replaced Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who was elected the church’s first female presiding bishop in 2006.