NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Two Christian leaders will begin their work guiding the NYPD’s multi-faith chaplains: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, retired Archbishop of New York, and Reverend A.R. Bernard, founder of the Christian Cultural Center.
They were sworn in as leaders of the unit on Wednesday during a ceremony at One Police Plaza.
In their new roles, the two will work part-time to oversee a team of clergy members from various faith traditions, striving to provide guidance and comfort to NYPD employees.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the news earlier this month.
Previously, Rabbi Alvin Kass was Chief Chaplain before he died last year. Kass worked at the department for nearly 60 years and was its longest-serving employee.
Commissioner Tisch said she spent time thinking about how that role should be honored and carried forward, and said that two people stepped up, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Rev. A.R. Bernard.
Cardinal Dolan served as Archbishop of New York starting in 2009. He retired from the role recently at the age of 75.
He was replaced by Ronald Hicks in February.
Rev. Bernard is the founder of the Christian Cultural Center, a megachurch in Brooklyn.
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