Published on Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Reverend Peggy A. Johnson, pastor of Church of Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf and leader of Wesley's Deaf Ministry Immersions, has been elected to join the nine bishop council for the Northeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. Endorsed in her election by the Baltimore-Washington Conference and the Association of Physically Challenged Ministers, Johnson will begin her tenure on September 1, succeeding two retiring bishops, Bishop Violet L. Fisher of Rochester, NY and Bishop Susan Morrison of Albany, NY, in service. 

Johnson's active engagement with the United Methodist Congress of the Deaf began in 1988 and continues to evolve as a legacy of service and leadership. She has served as a General Conference delegate (1996-2008); a member of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry (1996-2000); a consultant on deaf ministry for the Board of Global Ministries (2001-2004); and a member of the Northeastern Jurisdiction episcopacy committee (2000-2004). Reverend Johnson has also been recognized for her service by a number of organizations including:

• Howard Divinity School - "Pillar of Faith Award" in 2006;
• Family Service Foundation of Baltimore - "HIV/AIDS Activist Award" in 2004;
• Maryland Association of the Deaf - "Helping Hand Award" in 2005 and 1991;
• United Methodist Publishing House - "The Circuit Rider of the Year Award" in 1990.

In 2007, Johnson released an autobiographical book entitled "Deaf Ministry; Make a Joyful Silence" that chronicles her path in the ministry and has received acclaim for being both evocative and educational. To learn more about Reverend Johnson, her ministry and recent election, please visit the Baltimore-Washington Conference site.

To learn more about Deaf Ministry and the immersion program at Wesley, please visit our Office of Practice in Ministry and Mission site.