The Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan, retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, is indeed a man of God. He was first elected bishop suffragan in 2007, then elected the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama in 2011, consecrated in 2012, and served until the end of 2020.
A priest and bishop of the church, Bishop Sloan served as rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Huntsville for 14 years. This good, decent, compassionate man also served as chaplain at the University of Mississippi.
An author and storyteller with a sense of humor, he has had six books published. A cradle Episcopalian, Bishop Sloan was ordained a deacon in 1981 and ordained a priest in 1982.
A quiet, reserved gentleman, he has been involved in marvelous ministries where he shares, “We are all children of God and God loves us no matter what.” This devout, servant of Christ always happens to have a Book of Common Prayer near while he listens.
What has been a highlight of your decades-long service?
Bishop Sloan: While serving at St. Thomas in Huntsville, I was involved in the beginning of the Special Session at the Episcopal Camp and Conference Center, Camp McDowell. This camp session is for people with various physical and intellectual disabilities; a week to invite them into a community that celebrates the inclusion of all people in the unconditional love of God.
Is the Episcopal Church growing?
Bishop Sloan: Unfortunately, the church is not growing. The reason is because we live in a time when we want easy answers and things to be certain. The Episcopal Church invites people into the faith, but God is a mystery and our understanding is incomplete. We are smart enough to ask the questions, but not capable of understanding the full mystery of God.
Do you have a favorite book of the Bible?
Bishop Sloan: Yes, sir. I have two favorite books of the Bible: Genesis and the Gospel of John.
Have you had time to write another book?
Bishop Sloan: I have now had six books published, all of them fiction with religious themes: Jabbok; Beulah; Prodigal; God, the Devil & Lemon Icebox Pie; Faithful Heretic and Father Goose Goes West.
Do you have a preferred sermon topic?
Bishop Sloan: Having preached for more than a while, I have topics that I am more comfortable preaching about. As a bishop going to a different parish every week, you are able to get away with it. I want people to know that God really loves them and that we are all children of God.
Tell me about your family?
Bishop Sloan: I was born and raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I am the third of four siblings of Mary Bayer Sloan from Eutaw and Crofton Sloan. My parents are deceased.
I have been married for 38 years to Tina Brown Sloan from Leland, Mississippi, and we had two children.
What is your educational background?
Bishop Sloan: I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Mississippi State University in 1976; I earned my Master of Divinity, St. Luke’s School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee in 1981 and received an honorary doctorate in 2012 from The University of the South, Sewanee.
What is your favorite meal?
Bishop Sloan: I enjoy Chicken Marsala with angel hair pasta, a garden salad, baked onions, broccoli and for dessert peach cobbler.
