Pauli Murray Inspires New Generation of ‘Firebrand’ Black, Queer Episcopal Leaders
The Rev. Pauli Murray, a queer writer, lawyer and co-founder of the National Organization for Women who in 1977 became the first Black woman ordained an Episcopal priest, continues to inspire new generations of “firebrand” leaders to authenticity and activism.
These leaders include the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, who on Nov. 23, 2019, became the first openly gay Black man elected a bishop in The Episcopal Church. As the 11th diocesan bishop of Missouri, at 43, he is also the youngest person and the first immigrant from Barbados in The Episcopal Church House of Bishops.
