The former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, who recently made international headlines when he delivered the homily at the royal wedding, announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Most Rev. Michael Curry, who served 16 years as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina before his promotion to presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer during an annual physical several months ago.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Curry said that he will have surgery to remove the prostate gland on July 31.
“I am happy to say that the prognosis looks very good and quite positive. I have spoken with several others who have gone through this and who have offered both encouragement and helpful service,” he said.
Curry said recovery from the surgery should take about six weeks, and he plans to resume his duties as presiding bishop in September.
Curry was handpicked by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to deliver the homily at their May wedding.
Curry began his ministry as deacon-in-charge at St. Stephen’s in Winston-Salem in 1978 and was rector from 1979 to 1982, according to the church’s website. He served in Ohio and Maryland before his time in Raleigh.
Curry is the first African-American to have served as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, an offshoot of the Church of England in the United States. It is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
SOURCE: WRAL.com – Janine Bowen
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