Ann Svennungsen
Ann M Svennungsen | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA | |
| Elected | 2012, 2018 |
| Predecessor | Glenn Nycklemoe[1] |
| Successor | Jen Nagel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1955 (age 70–71) |
| Denomination | Lutheran |
| Spouse | William Russell |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation | Bishop |
| Alma mater | |
Ann M. Svennungsen (born 1955) is a former bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) for the Minneapolis Area Synod. She was the first woman to hold the position.
Ministry
Svennungsen comes from a family of pastors, but was the first woman in her family to become a pastor.[2] She served as senior pastor at Trinity Church in Moorhead, Minnesota. for twenty-two years.[3] She was later the first woman to serve as President of Texas Lutheran University, beginning her tenure in 2007.[4] Svennungsen served as interim pastor at St. Olaf College before being installed as bishop. During this time, she opposed 2012 Minnesota Amendment 1.[5]
She was elected as bishop in 2012, and for a second term in 2018. As Bishop, Svennungsen was a vocal opponent of Christian Nationalism.[6] She has also been an advocate for environmentalism.[7] She left the office in 2024, after the election of Jen Nagel.
Authorship
In 2005, Svennungsen wrote a book, Awakened to a Calling: Reflections on the Vocation of Ministry, with Presbyterian Melissa Wiginton. It is a collection of sermons by outgoing Fund for Theological Education President Dr. James Waits.[8]
See also
References
- ^ Shenoy, Rupa (February 20, 2012). "Lutherans elect Svennungsen 1st female bishop in Minnesota". MPR News.
- ^ "Mpls. Lutherans Elect 1st Female Bishop In Minn. - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. February 18, 2012.
- ^ "Ann Svennungsen: 'It's about the mission' | Faith and Leadership". faithandleadership.com. March 2, 2009.
- ^ "ELCA's Texas Lutheran University Names Ann Svennungsen President". www.elca.org.
- ^ Kimball, Joe (February 20, 2012). "Minneapolis ELCA opposes marriage amendment, elects Ann Svennungsen bishop".
- ^ Hulteen, Bob (May 31, 2024). "The treasure of the gospel".
- ^ Potter, John (October 14, 2019). "Catalysts for justice and grace".
- ^ Svennungsen, Ann M. (September 2005). Awakened To A Calling: Reflections On The Vocation Of Ministry. Abingdon Press. ISBN 978-0-687-05390-2.