This week in Christian history: Isaac Backus born, near-death experience recanted

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 07, 2024

John Henry Hopkins becomes head of Episcopal Church – Jan. 13, 1865

John Henry Hopkins (1792-1868), was a former presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church known for his artwork, writings, reconciliation with southern dioceses, and controversial support of slavery. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of John Henry Hopkins, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, becoming presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church.

A native of Dublin, Ireland, who immigrated to the United States in 1800, Hopkins became the first Episcopal bishop of Vermont and was eventually elected the eighth presiding bishop.

Hopkins garnered controversy when he argued that, while he personally opposed slavery, it should still be legal “so long as it is administered in accordance with the precepts laid down by the Apostles.”

While also sympathetic to “the adoption of any plan of gradual abolition which could be accepted peacefully by general consent,” he rejected “any right to interfere with the domestic institutions of the South, either by the law or by the Gospel.”

After the American Civil War ended, Hopkins would play a key part in reuniting northern and southern Episcopal dioceses that had been fractured during the conflict.