Bishop Deon K. Johnson of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri released a pastoral letter on Tuesday, Jan. 24, to explain his participation in a lawsuit against the state of Missouri and its abortion ban. The lawsuit was filed with 12 other religious leaders.
Bishop’s Letter
Bishop Johnson addressed Missouri’s episcopal community through a letter, where he explained his participation in the recent filing of a suit against the state of Missouri and its abortion ban.
He shared the pastoral letter through the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri’s website. As the bishop said in his statement, as followers of Christ, men place great value on the sanctity of human life.
They acknowledge the Divine image in all of the Lord’s precious children. They believe and entirely support the moral agency of each person, that is, the right and responsibility of everyone to act as their conscience dictates.
Johnson stated he joined other religious leaders from various faith traditions to serve Jesus Christ and respect the God-given dignity of all men. This group of faith leaders from across Missouri gathered and posted a legal challenge to anti-abortion laws implemented in the state.
Furthermore, Johnson informed everyone that in joining the legal suit, he wanted to uphold the Episcopal Church’s understanding that all life is sacred and that the Lord gifted everyone with dignity and self-autonomy.
The bishop also acknowledged that abortion is a difficult decision. Individuals and their families must be the ones to decide about terminating a pregnancy, not the elected leaders.
Furthermore, Johnson stated that the Body Christ of Christ, the Church, acknowledges the pain, loss, and grief that may happen whenever someone decides to terminate a pregnancy.
It also acknowledged the circumstances where such loss may be for the greater good.
Bishop Johnson hopes that opposing the state of Missouri’s ban on reproductive choice with other faith leaders might establish a future where everyone’s rights and dignity, especially women, are honored, respected, and valued.
The bishop also requested prayers as they discern the Lord’s will and as they seek to do justly, love kindly, and walk humbly with the Lord.
Moreover, the bishop expressed his confidence in Christ, that all shall be well and together they will pursue communities of hope, justice, and inclusion.
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri shared about the pastoral letter through its Facebook page.
About Bishop Deon K. Johnson
As shared on Episcopal News Service, the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri elected the Rev. Deon K. Johnson on Nov. 23, 2019, in Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. He is the 11th diocesan bishop.
The election involved 164 voting delegates. The elected bishop received 71 votes from lay delegates and 42 votes from the clergy.
The Episcopal News Service shared that Johnson lives in Michigan with his husband and two kids. He has been the rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church since 2016.
He is a veteran Episcopal priest with extensive experience in social justice issues and ministry to lesbian and gay communities.
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