James Johnson (assistant bishop of Western Equatorial Africa)

James Johnson (assistant bishop of Western Equatorial Africa) was a prominent African clergyman and anti-colonialist figure within the Anglican Church during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He served as assistant bishop of Western Equatorial Africa, a vast diocese covering territories in present-day Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and other parts of West Africa.

Johnson was born in Sierra Leone and educated at Fourah Bay College, a leading institution for training African clergy. He was ordained as a priest and initially served in various parishes. He became known for his strong advocacy for African self-reliance and the indigenization of the Church. He believed that the Church in Africa should be led by Africans and reflect African cultural values, rather than being a mere replica of the Church in Europe.

His appointment as assistant bishop in 1900 provided him with a larger platform to promote his vision. He traveled extensively throughout the diocese, preaching, teaching, and encouraging the development of African leadership. He was a vocal critic of colonial policies that he saw as detrimental to the African people and their well-being. He openly challenged the power structures of the colonial administration and advocated for greater African autonomy.

Johnson's views sometimes brought him into conflict with European missionaries and colonial officials who were uncomfortable with his assertive stance. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected and influential figure within the Anglican Church and among African communities. He is remembered for his dedication to the spiritual and social upliftment of Africans, his commitment to the indigenization of the Church, and his courageous advocacy for justice and self-determination.