Toronto elects Johnson

Published June 1, 2004

Colin Johnson, 51, elected just one year ago as suffragan (assistant) bishop of the diocese of Toronto, was elected diocesan bishop on June 12 on the third ballot. Bishop Johnson had been area bishop of the populous diocese’s Trent-Durham region, located east of downtown Toronto and centered in Whitby, Ont.

Toronto is Canada’s largest Anglican diocese.

Bishop Johnson has extensive experience in the diocesan headquarters in downtown Toronto, having served as executive assistant to Archbishop Terence Finlay (who retired on June 4) from 1992 to 2003. He also served as acting director of communications for the diocese for two separate stints for a total of five years. Bishop Johnson has been involved with a number of diocesan training programs and initiatives.

Prior to his work at the diocesan office, he was incumbent at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ajax, Ont., for nine years. He also served parishes in Georgina, Ont., and in Toronto. He holds a B.A. degree from the University of Western Ontario and an M.Div. degree from Trinity College, Toronto.

Raised in Mount Forest, in southwestern Ontario, Bishop Johnson’s father was a successful local politician, then a member of provincial parliament, and the family were active members of the United church. Bishop Johnson and his wife, Ellen, have three grown children.

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