Press Statement of Bishop James V. Johnston, 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
September 15, 2015
It is with faith and trust in the grace and love of Jesus Christ and in God’s providential designs, that I accept the appointment of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to be the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. I am very humbled and honored by the Holy Father’s appointment to be your next bishop. Pope Francis is known for surprises and he certainly gave me one several days ago when I was informed by the apostolic nuncio of his decision. I will do my best to live up to the trust that he has placed in me and be the best bishop I can for you.
I pledge to serve you with generosity, kindness, and charity. I will strive to be a good shepherd to you so that we can, together, live the truth in love and be effective witnesses to the Gospel of salvation and the beauty of our Catholic Faith. I look forward to working with our priests and deacons, our consecrated women and men religious, and with all of our wonderful lay women and men. Every one of us has an important place and mission within the Church, which comes through our baptism. I am eager to join all of you in putting our focus and passion on loving Jesus, serving Jesus, and sharing Jesus.
