The Rev. Dr. Tracey Breashears Schultz will be installed as the fourth bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in a service of Holy Communion on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Living Word Lutheran Church, 3700 South Mason Road in Katy, Texas.
Presiding at the service will be the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA. The preacher for the occasion will be the Rev. Susan Candea, fourth Bishop of the Central States Synod.
Elected in May 2025, Bishop-elect Schultz is the first woman to serve as bishop in the history of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. Her election marks a significant milestone in the synod’s ongoing commitment to inclusive leadership and faithful service. She succeeds the Rev. Michael Rinehart, who served as the third bishop of the Gulf Coast Synod (2007-2025).
Bishop-elect Schultz brings pastoral leadership, theological depth, and passion for preaching, worship, faith formation, and evangelism to this office. She is well respected for her work on staff as Bishop’s associate for leadership (2019-2025).
The installation service will include liturgical procession, ecumenical guests, and musical leadership from across the synod. A reception will follow the service. All are welcome to attend.
The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod comprises over 100 congregations and ministries across southeastern Texas and southern Louisiana. As part of the ELCA, the synod is committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, witness, service, and justice.
Media are invited to cover this historic event. Interview opportunities with Bishop-elect Breashears Schultz and ELCA leaders will be available before the service. Livestream information will be shared on the synod website.