06/03/2026
Beloved of Christ,
I write to share exciting news. I have called the Rev’d Edwin Daniel Johnson to serve as the new Canon for Discipleship and Leadership Development for our diocese. He will be joining my executive team on August 11.
In this new position guided by our shared strategic vision, Rev’d Edwin will lead our work to form and nurture both new and mature Christians alike. He will oversee our diocesan formation ministries, including children, youth, young adult, and campus ministry programs, as well as the St. Paul’s Center for Theology and Prayer. Rev’d Edwin will partner with the Clergy Professional Development Committee to shape meaningful support and formation opportunities for our clergy throughout the year. He will also work closely with the Rev’d Canon Edie Dolnikowski and the Commission on Ministry on leadership development for both clergy and laity in our diocese. Drawing on his passion for justice and racial equity, Rev’d Edwin will be a key partner for the Racial Justice Commission and our broader diocesan justice work as central to our shared discipleship.
Rev’d Edwin is, of course, no stranger to you! He was baptized and ordained in this diocese. He has served in multiple parishes and positions of diocesan leadership, including most recently as co-chair of the Commission on Ministry and director of organizing for the Episcopal City Mission. He brings infectious, joyful, Jesus-filled energy to every room he enters, which I feel certain he will bring as he leads our priority to form disciples for missional lives.
Edwin shared the following greeting for our diocese:
"Greetings mi gente of the Diocese of Massachusetts! I look forward to joining Bishop Julia’s team at this exciting time of growth for our diocese! It’s been one of the principal joys of my life to engage with so many of you as a priest, prayer partner, organizer, mentee, mentor, collaborator, and most of all, fellow beloved child of God over many decades. I am excited and grateful for the ways that this new role will allow us to lean into the work of discipleship together. As in Luke 10, where Jesus empowered the seventy-two to go forth and bring about the Kingdom, so too will we do the Spirit-driven inner and outer work. As they celebrated with Jesus the fruits of their labors, so shall we celebrate, and so shall our broader communities as they are touched by our prayer and action."
Please join me in welcoming soon-to-be Rev’d Canon Edwin to our diocesan staff!
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev'd Julia E. Whitworth
Bishop Diocesan
