1210 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103  ·   (314) 231-1220  ·     Contact Us

Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
  • Welcome
    • About Us
    • Bishop & Staff
    • COVID-19
    • Diocesan History
    • Episcopal Beliefs
    • Find a Church
    • Governance
  • Ministries
    • All Ministries
  • Clergy
    • Clergy Job Openings
    • Clergy Resources
    • Deacons
    • Priests
    • Retired Clergy
    • Supply Clergy
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Bishop's Annual Appeal
    • Financial
    • Forms
    • Parish Leadership
    • Strategic Visioning
    • Worship
  • Connect
    • Branding & Logo
    • Calendar
    • Communications
    • Diocesan Shop
    • Events
    • Lay Job Openings
    • News
  • Give

Bishop's Biography

The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson

XI Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri


Deon Kevin Johnson was born and raised in a small village on the Caribbean island of Barbados. His faith was formed under the watchful eye of his maternal grandmother who taught him how to pray, how to listen with his heart and introduced him to the beauty of worship in the hymns and spirituals she sang throughout Deon’s childhood.

His grandmother’s presence and prayers continued to influence him as he immigrated from Barbados to New York at the age of 14. “Leaving my mother and grandmother behind was perhaps one of the most difficult journeys my older brother and I could ever undertake,” Johnson recalls. “Because of their unconditional love, and the faithful witness of many others, I have been shaped into the person and priest I am today.”

After receiving Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and History and an Associates degree in Biology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH (2000), he went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from The General Theological Seminary in New York, NY (2003).

Deon served as Associate Rector at Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker Heights, OH (2003-2006), and most recently as Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brighton, MI (2006-2020). A veteran Episcopal priest with deep experience in social justice issues and ministry to gay and lesbian communities, he has served in many positions in the wider church and the community. He continues to serve on the Taskforce for Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision and as a consultant with the Office of Black Ministries.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri elected the Rev. Deon Kevin Johnson as its 11th diocesan bishop on Nov. 23, 2019, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. He was elected on the first ballot at the diocesan convention during an election that involved 164 voting delegates. He received 71 votes from lay delegates and 42 votes from clergy.

Bishop Johnson was ordained as the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri on June 13, 2020, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. His ordination was originally scheduled for April 25, 2020, but the coronavirus forced a postponement of the event. Throughout the pandemic, Bishop Deon has has led with compassion and hope, redefining the mission and vision for The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

Bishop Johnson and his husband Jhovanny Osorio are the proud parents of two children, Lilohalani and Ja’Lon. He enjoys cooking, photography, hiking and being an armchair movie critic.


Welcome to the Diocese of Missouri About Us Bishop and Staff Bishop's Blog Bishop's Podcast Diocesan History Episcopal Beliefs Find a Church Contact Us

Mission Statement:

Walking humbly with God and our neighbors, we seek justice, act with love, and live the Good News of Jesus.

Vision Statement:

A world transformed by God's love, justice, and peace.

© 2023 Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
1210 Locust St. · St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 231-1220
Privacy Policy · Powered by Membership Vision

  View Entire Post

Service Times

Location

Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
1210 Locust St.
St. Louis, MO 63103

Contact Us
(314) 231-1220

Newsletter Signup

Welcome from Our Bishop Find a Church Diocesan Calendar Clergy Resources

We believe in a loving, life-giving and liberating God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe God loves you -- no exceptions!

We invite you to be a part of our faith journey.

The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson is the leader of our diocese. He was elected as our bishop on Nov. 23, 2019, and ordained on June 13, 2020, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis.

Learn More

Approximately 10,000 people throughout Eastern and Central Missouri find their faith home with us. About three-quarters of our members are in the metro St. Louis area, but our diocese reaches much farther than St. Louis. You will find more than 40 Episcopal churches, missions and faith communities as far north as Kirksville, as far west as Columbia, and as far south as Poplar Bluff (and many points in between).

If you are looking for a church home or a just a faith community to visit, we invite you to explore The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

Find a Church


Detailed Calendar

Suggest an Event

Specifically of interest to the ordained clergy canonically resident or licensed in this diocese.

  • Diocesan Forms Library
  • Diocesan Clergy Directory
  • Current diocesan supply priest list
  • Missouri Clergy Association email list

Do you have a question or need more information?

Send a message to the Offices of the Bishop and we'll get back with you soon!


Contact Us Bishop and Staff Find a Church