THE Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, the Most Revd Michael Curry, underwent brain surgery on Tuesday, after he was taken to hospital with speech problems after a Sunday service.

Doctors diagnosed bleeding on the brain, known as a subdural haematoma. It is said to be usually caused by a head injury, but details of how any injury might have occurred have not been released.

A spokesman for the Episcopal Church said in a statement that Bishop Curry was “resting comfortably” after the surgery in hospital in Richmond, Virginia. “According to the Presiding Bishop, his family, and his medical team, the surgery went well, as had been expected. Bishop Curry is alert and awake, and a full recovery continues to be anticipated.

“Presiding Bishop Curry and his family are touched by the outpouring of prayers and well wishes. In their thankfulness, they ask for privacy during his recovery.”

Bishop Curry, the first African American to be elected as the US Presiding Bishop, was installed last month (News, 6 November).

In a video from his bedside before surgery, the Bishop said: “I will be back, preaching as normal. But, for the next few days, I’ll be taking it easy, and I’ll be just fine in a few days.

“God bless you. Keep the faith.”

The Primate of Mexico, Archbishop Francisco Moreno, underwent surgery last month following gastric discomfort. The Province said on Wednesday that medics have given nutritional advice after removing staples and a drain. The archbishop has been placed on a diet to “gain weight and recover intestinal activity”, the statement read.

Archbishop Moreno thanked people for their prayers, and said he has recovered “because God listens to his people”. Doctors will reassess his health in January before advising whether or not he is fit to attend the Primates Meeting in Canterbury.