You might recognize Elder Peter M. Johnson from his October 2019 general conference talk, “Power to Overcome the Adversary.” Maybe you recognize Elder Johnson as the first African American General Authority Seventy, or you might know him as President Peter M. Johnson, president of the England Manchester Mission.
But there might be a few things you don’t know about Elder Johnson. An article from Newsroomhighlights his current responsibilities and his journey to Christianity, among other interesting facts.
1. He grew up in an interfaith household.
Growing up, Elder Johnson was introduced to the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Baptist faiths through his parents’ beliefs. As a teenager, Elder Johnson decided to join the Nation of Islam and become Muslim. He recognizes how these opportunities to develop his spirituality helped prepare to him to learn about Jesus Christ and join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. He and his wife currently preside over the England Manchester Mission.
Elder Johnson and his wife, Sister Stephanie Johnson, are assigned to serve as leaders of the England Manchester Mission from July 2020 to June 2022. In the article, Sister Johnson shares how they settled in right away: “It was amazing to feel instant love and gratitude for each missionary in the Manchester Mission. That is the miracle of serving God and one another.” Elder and Sister Johnson are happy to be in England and are eager to help others receive the restored gospel.
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3. He was a tenured associate professor prior to his call as a Seventy.
With a PhD in accounting from Arizona State University, Elder Johnson has served in many roles—associate professor at the University of Alabama, director of diversity and inclusion initiatives at the Culverhouse College of Business within the University of Alabama, and president of the diversity section of the American Accounting Association.
Read the full article at Newsroomto learn more about Elder and Sister Johnson, including how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their arrival in England, how both played collegiate basketball, and how they combat prejudice as a biracial couple.