Fidlar says the synod covers ten counties across the top of Illinois, from Chicago to the Mississippi River, and includes 150 congregations.
"So it covers people in the most rural areas, it covers people in areas we would call urban, it covers suburban areas, and lots of different definitions in between. It is a very diverse synod in terms of life and experience and work and the ways that people come together."
As bishop, she says her job will be to "set the vision for the synod."
"To work with the congregations and the pastors and the lay leaders to spread the gospel, to strengthen the churches, and to be the body of Christ across this part of Illinois."
Fidlar has served as pastor in Rock Island for 22 years. Prior to that she served at a church in Seneca, Illinois (Our Savior's Lutheran Church) for four years, and was interim pastor for a church in Forreston (St. James Lutheran Church) for one year.
She officially takes office on September lst, and one of her first responsibilities will be to find her replacement for St. John's in Rock Island.