John Stowe

John Eric Stowe, O.F.M. Conv., (born April 15, 1966) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who has been bishop of the Diocese of Lexington in Kentucky since 2015.

Biography

Early life John Stowe was born in Amherst, Ohio, on April 15, 1966, to John and Lucy Stowe and grew up in Lorain, Ohio. After graduating from Lorain Catholic High School in 1984, he was admitted as a candidate to the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Minorites). After Stowe completed his novitiate year, the Minorites sent him to study at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri; he graduated with a double major in history and philosophy. He professed his solemn vows in the Minorites on August 1, 1992. After his ordination, the Minorites assigned Stowe to serve in parishes in El Paso, Texas.

Viewpoints

Immigration In January 2019, Stowe wrote an op-ed in the Lexington Herald-Leader that criticized Nick Sandmann and other students from Covington Catholic High School for sporting apparel supporting President Donald Trump during the 2019 March for Life rally in Washington, D.C. Stowe said the slogan "Make America Great Again" on their clothing:

LGBTQ rights In March 2021, Stowe expressed support for the federal Equality Act, proposed legislation that was opposed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He wrote that "As a Catholic bishop, I hate to see any form of harmful discrimination protected by law and it is consistent with our teaching to ensure that LGBTQ people have the protection they need."

On May 21, 2024, the Diocese of Lexington released a statement that said Stowe accepted the profession of Brother , who identified as transgender, as a hermit.