Following the announcement of the current bishop’s retirement, Rohrer was elected Bishop of Sierra Pacific in May for a six – year term. With 3.3 million members in the United States, the Lutherans are one of three major denominations, with Methodists and Catholics.

The dedication ceremony was held Saturday at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. “My call is to do the same confusing, loving things I’m doing before,” Rohr told believers in attendance. “But above all, if you allow me, if I think you will, I hope I will love you and all that you desire.”

Rohrer, he or she did not want to be called, but they had previously served as pastor of the Grace Lutheran Church in San Francisco and as chaplain coordinator for the city police. He also helped the homeless and LGTBQ community in the city.

In 2010, Roarer became one of seven LGBTQ pastors accepted by the progressive Evangelical Lutheran Church after allowing homosexual pastors to be appointed. Rohr is married and has two children.