The Rev. Susan J. Briner

The Rev. Susan (Sue) J. Briner of New Braunfels was re-elected May 5, 2024, to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She is the first woman to serve as a bishop in the history of the three ELCA synods in Texas.

Bishop Briner was ordained in 2003 and called as associate pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Summerville, S.C. She became St. Luke’s senior pastor in 2007. She joined the Southwestern Texas Synod staff in 2012 as the bishop’s associate and was first elected Bishop in 2018. Prior to serving as a pastor, she worked in the telecommunications industry for 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Duke University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C. Briner is a member of Peace Lutheran Church in New Braunfels.

As an immigrant herself, Bishop Briner is passionate about welcoming the stranger, and our territory has the longest border with Mexico of any synod. She currently serves on the board of Global Refuge, and is the co-chair of the Bishop’s Immigration Ready Bench. Her synod is coordinating a multi-synodical grant, Sembrando en Los Margenes, focused on a coordinated effort to support and sustain vibrant ministry along the border.