Will Herzfeld

Willie Lawrence Herzfeld (June 9, 1937 – May 9, 2002)[1] was an American clergyman and civil rights activist who was presiding bishop for the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches. He was the first African American to lead a national Lutheran church body in the United States. Additionally, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oakland from 1973 to 1992.[2]

References

  1. ^ Thomas, James R. (2024). A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism. Augsburg Fortress. pp. 99–105. doi:10.2307/j.ctv2xkjxpr.10. ISBN 978-1-5064-8618-5.
  2. ^ DelVecchio, Rick (May 16, 2002). "The Rev. Will Herzfeld -- ex-Oakland pastor". SFGATE. Retrieved 2025-12-12.