James Vann Johnston, Jr.

James Vann Johnston Jr. (born October 16, 1959) is an American Catholic prelate serving as the Bishop of Kansas City–St. Joseph in Missouri since 2015. He served as the Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in Missouri from 2008 to 2015.

Biography

Early life and education Johnston was born on October 16, 1959, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to James Johnston and Pat (née Huber) Vann Johnston. He has two sisters, Beth and Amy, and one brother, Steve. James Johnston Jr. was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Knoxville Catholic High School in Knoxville.

After graduating from high school in 1977, Johnston entered the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1982. Johnston worked for three years after college for an engineering consulting firm in Houston, Texas. Johnston also announced that, as bishop, he would:"Seek out those who have fallen away from the practice of their Catholic faith, reach out to the unchurched, and seek to meet brothers and sisters of other faith communities and churches on areas of common belief and shared concerns." He was installed on November 4, 2015, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.

On June 27, 2016, in a special church service, Johnston apologized to victims of sexual abuse in the diocese for the abuse itself and the cover-up by the church. His predecessor, Bishop Robert Finn, had pleaded guilty in 2012 to a charge of failing to report an individual abusing a child. In March 2021, Johnston announced the laicization in December 2020 of Reverend Michael Tierney, who had multiple credible accusations of sexual abuse of children.

Personal life Johnston supports the celebration of the Tridentine Mass, but has said he does not "hold a great personal attachment to it" due to his relatively young age. He also supports the use of Gregorian chant and polyphony during Mass. He has cited Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, and Alan Jackson as some of his favorite musical artists.

Viewpoints Abortion In May 2009, noting that US President Barack Obama "has taken steps on multiple fronts to undermine the protection of innocent human life", Johnston said the decision of the University of Notre Dame to have Obama deliver the commencement speech at its graduation ceremony and receive an honorary degree was "saddening and bewildering." Johnston also said,"While we must pray for our president, respect his office, and acknowledge and support the good things he does to lead our nation, it is also our duty to make known our opposition to those actions and decisions that stand in direct opposition to the moral law and the foundational principals of America."

Same sex marriage In May 2009, Johnston criticized what he believed was unfair treatment of Miss California Carrie Prejean, who placed second at Miss USA 2009 competition. When asked if she supported same-sex marriage, Prejean said no. Johnston remarked:"...shows just how much American culture, in such a short time, has drifted away from the moorings that have given the nation strength and stability...[and] shows the fierce intolerance of many of those who advocate redefining marriage to include same-sex unions."