Deon Johnson named bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

Deon Johnson, an openly gay man, has been elected bishop of the Episcopal Dio­cese of Missouri. He will replace George Wayne Smith, who retires this spring after 18 years as bishop.

According to local press reports, John­son won the three-way election in a landslide—earning 113 of 164 delegate votes.

After the election, the husband and father of two spoke to the delegates by video, thanking them for the opportunity. “We are so looking forward to continuing this adventure that God has called us to with you and the amazing people who make up the diocese.”