John Walker: A Man for the 21st Century

by Robert Harrison

Pastor, teacher, cathedral builder, civil rights leader, ecumenist, social justice pioneer, urban missionary, relief worker, statesman—John Thomas Walker was all of these, and more. As both the first African-American to be accepted to study at Virginia Theological Seminary and later to serve as a Master at St. Paul’s School, John used such accomplishments to influence him in his rise to Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C. Here he left his mark on presidents, world leaders, and countless others as a confident spokesman for the radical belief that our broken world can yet be restored. On the 15th anniversary of John Walker’s death, Robert Harrison crafts a biography built around some of the late Bishop’s most inspiring words. A testament to what one man can accomplish when he sets his mind to improving the world around him, John Walker – A Man for the 21st Century brings to life not only the man, but also the vision behind the numerous projects and organizations John led – many of which continue today. The ten chapters chronicle John’s life alongside his groundbreaking work with initiatives for peace, the fight against racism through civil rights activism, education for the underprivileged, advocacy for relief and aid in Africa and the end of apartheid, and the call for the ordination of women. All of this is carefully tied together by John’s words from addresses to organizations he led and supported; sermons to his congregation, Diocese, and Church; and in one case, a letter to a young man inquiring about becoming a bishop. Capturing the humility, honesty, and endless perseverance of one of the Episcopal Church’s greatest leaders, John Walker, shares the story of a man whose message of love not only rings true fifteen years after his death, but that becomes increasingly relevant with each passing day.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004