People were on their feet when Reverend Katherine Finegan was officially announced as the new Bishop of Northern Great Lakes Synod. She will be the fourth bishop in the synod's history.

"I’m excited, but nervous," said Reverend Katherine Finegan. "I’m excited about the possibilities, but know I have a lot to learn."

Her election came after five rounds of ballots during the 3 day assembly in front of more than 80 congregations.

"With each ballot there’s more conversation and discussion," said Finegan. "We kind of dig in deeper of who the candidates are and I thank my fellow nominees because they deepened the conversation"

Finegan has been the Assistant to Bishop Skrenes since 2012 who will be retiring after his 18 years of service.

"It has been a delight to watch her grow into this work and to be a part of this ministry," said Bishop Thomas Skrenes. "I hope and trust that she will be a person of vision and that she will do the work. I know she will do the work."

Although Bishop Skrenes will continue his duties until late summer, Finegan says she will take advantage of this transitional time.

"The summer is spent learning things about what it means to be bishop and thinking and praying and talking to people about what they want to see the future look like and what the possibilities hold," said Finegan.

The new bishop elect told the assembly that it is her goal to work with everybody to equip people for the ministry. Bishop Skrenes concluded with presiding his last NGLS assembly worship service as Bishop.

Bishop Elect Finegan will be officially inducted as bishop at St. Peter's cathedral in October.