The Rev’d Canon Dr. J. Lee Hill, Jr., has been called to be Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Virginia and will simultaneously serve in the newly created role of Dean of the Diocesan Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing.
The Canon to the Ordinary is a primary advisor to the Bishop Diocesan—the Rt. Rev’d E. Mark Stevenson—in administrative, canonical, and pastoral matters relating to clergy and congregations.
“Over the past several years, Lee has helped shape and deepen our diocesan commitment to racial justice and healing, and I have witnessed firsthand the wisdom, pastoral sensitivity, and faithfulness he brings to every setting,” said Bishop Stevenson. “I am grateful that he has agreed to serve in this new role. His leadership in racial justice and healing will remain a central part of his ministry as he assumes additional responsibilities.”
Hill previously served as the diocese’s first Canon for Racial Justice and Healing. By assigning the new Canon to the Ordinary a broader racial justice and healing role, Bishop Stevenson signals the diocese’s strong emphasis on these ministries.
The Canon to the Ordinary often “is the first person I talk to, and the last person I talk to, before most anything gets done,” Stevenson said. “This new role for Canon Hill will strengthen the Diocese of Virginia’s mission to love Jesus, embody justice, and be disciples across the board.”
Working alongside Dr. Hill in this expanded ministry layout will be the Rev’d Dr. Tammy Lewis, who transitions from her role as administrative assistant to assume greater ministry responsibilities within this critical area. Additionally, Bishop Stevenson plans to call a minister to work with and alongside the Hispanic / Latino communities of the diocese, a position that will also report to Dr. Hill.
Hill’s dual roles are aligned with his personal sense of call.
“I am deeply grateful to serve in this new role and continue living out my calling to the work of racial justice and healing in our diocese. I am looking forward to partnering with our parishes and institutions, clergy and laity, and the wider community to advance our shared mission: to love Jesus, embody justice and be disciples in the Diocese of Virginia,” he said.
As Canon to the Ordinary, Hill succeeds the Rev’d Canon d’Rue Hazel, who retires on June 30.
Hill joined the Diocese of Virginia in November 2021 as its first Missioner for Racial Justice and Healing. In that role, he collaborated with lay and ordained leaders to engage all congregations and diocesan organizations in the work of healing across racial and other divides. He supported existing ministries and helped develop new ones while facilitating courageous, Christ-centered dialogue about race that honors different experiences.
Prior to his work for the Diocese of Virginia, Hill served as the Senior Pastor of Christian Fellowship Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in San Diego. His pastoral career also includes serving on the senior ministerial staff of Riverside Church in New York City; Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem; and Emmanuel Baptist Church, also in Winston-Salem.
He was ordained in both the Alliance of Baptists and the United Church of Christ. He holds a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University, Master of Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Emory University. He has also earned postgraduate certificates from Princeton Theological Seminary, Morehouse College of Pastoral Leadership, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, and Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at Indiana University. Hill is a confirmed Episcopalian and member of St. Philip’s, Richmond.
A native Virginian, Hill attended Chesterfield County Public Schools and George Mason University.
“Lee is a great advisor and a valued work partner,” Stevenson said. “Please join me in giving thanks for him. I am deeply grateful for his willingness to serve, and for the gifts he brings to our diocese. I ask your prayers for Lee as he begins this new call.”