John Emory Hines (January 1, 1910 – February 3, 1997) was an American Episcopal clergyman who served as the 22nd Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church from 1965 to 1974. His tenure was marked by an emphasis on social justice, ecumenical outreach, and active involvement in the civil‑rights movement.
Early life and education
John E. Hines was born in Oak Park, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in 1930 and subsequently graduated from the General Theological Seminary in New York City with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1933. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1933 and to the priesthood in 1935.
Clerical career
Following ordination, Hines served as a curate at St. Mark’s Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later as rector of St. Paul’s Church in Detroit, Michigan (1937–1943). He held the position of rector at the Church of the Holy Communion in New York City from 1943 to 1955. In 1955, he was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, a role he fulfilled until his election as Presiding Bishop.
Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
Elected Presiding Bishop in 1965, Hinds oversaw the Episcopal Church during a period of considerable social upheaval in the United States. He advocated for the church’s participation in the civil‑rights movement, supporting desegregation and voting‑rights initiatives. Hines promoted ecumenical dialogue, fostering relationships with other Christian denominations and with the Roman Catholic Church. He also emphasized the church’s responsibility toward the poor and marginalized, authoring several pastoral letters that called for economic justice and opposition to the Vietnam War.
Later life and legacy
After retiring from the presiding office in 1974, Hines remained active in theological education and social‑justice advocacy. He served as a senior fellow at the Episcopal Theological School (now the Episcopal Divinity School) and continued to write on issues of faith and public policy. Hines died on February 3, 1997, in New York City.
His contributions are recognized for expanding the Episcopal Church’s engagement with contemporary social issues and for advancing ecumenical cooperation. The John E. Hines Center for Social Justice, established by the Episcopal Church, commemorates his commitment to integrating faith with public action.