written by PRIDE Newsdesk December 4, 2024
Dr. Carolyn E. Johnson, the second African American woman to serve as national president of United Methodist Women, now United Women in Faith, passed away on Sunday, November 17. Her impact on the United Women in Faith sisterhood and the wider community will continue to resonate for years to come.
Dr. Johnson’s presidency, which spanned from 1992 to 1996, followed in the footsteps of Sally Ernst, and she left an indelible mark as a compassionate, bold, and visionary leader. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Johnson exhibited a keen understanding of the trends in the church and society that impact women—especially those that impact United Methodist Women. She worked tirelessly to promote racial justice, unity, and inclusion, guiding the organization through pivotal moments in history.
Dr. Carolyn E. Johnson
Courtesy Photo
A staunch advocate for equity, Dr. Johnson was instrumental in fostering meaningful relationships with various language groups, especially Korean and Hispanic leaders—building a more inclusive, diverse, and global community. She worked to ensure that these voices were present at the table. Under her leadership, United Women in Faith made significant strides in addressing issues of racial injustice, passing resolutions against global racism, and mobilizing support in response to the horrific wave of African American church burnings in the 1990s. She also lent her support to the movement for reparations for African Americans, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and working toward healing and justice.
Dr. Johnson’s presidency occurred during the groundbreaking 1993 Re-Imagining Conference, held in celebration of the mid-point of the ‘Ecumenical Decade: Churches in Solidarity with Women.’ “Should women attend ecumenical gatherings? Aren’t our faith and our God strong enough that they won’t break in the midst of differences? I think the answer is ‘Yes’,” she said. Dr. Johnson was at the forefront during the attack on the Women’s Division, standing resolutely in defense of the ecumenical values and leadership of women within the church.
A woman of deep faith and unwavering conviction, Dr. Johnson’s leadership was driven by a profound commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of others. She worked passionately for systemic change, focusing on issues that disproportionately affected women, people of color, and marginalized communities.
Today, we celebrate Dr. Johnson’s life, her achievements, and her faith in God and the sisterhood of United Women in Faith. In her words: “So while my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and righteousness, it is always encouraged and supported by wonderful persons like the sisterhood of United Methodist Women.”
We offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends, throughout the United Methodist Church and beyond.
Dr. Carolyn E. Johnson was a valuable ally and contributor as a long time member of Scarritt Bennett Board of Directors. We share this remembrance with full hearts knowing that her impact across faiths, academic spaces and indeed our own Scarritt Bennett Center was all gift.
Sally Vonner is General Secretary/CEO of United Women in Faith.