Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who recently retired, is set to be officially sworn in as one of the main religious leaders for the NYPD, a position he will share with Reverend A.R. Bernard, the founder of a Brooklyn megachurch, according to an announcement made by the department on Monday.
Dolan, aged 76, and Bernard, 72, will become co-chaplains for the largest police department in the country this month. This is happening after the passing of Rabbi Alvin Kass, who had served with the NYPD for nearly 60 years until his death in October.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reflected on their appointments, noting, “As I considered who could fill this role, a Hebrew term came to mind: ‘tzaddik,’ signifying a righteous man. Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Rev. A.R. Bernard are two of the most righteous individuals this city has ever known.”
She continued, “They are men of profound faith whose leadership embodies the moral clarity, compassion, and wisdom that our police officers rely on during challenging times.”
The announcement follows shortly after Dolan, who had led the archdiocese for nearly 17 years, transitioned leadership to Archbishop Ronald Hicks in a ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Dolan, originally from Missouri and now considering himself an adopted New Yorker, mentioned last week that he intends to stay in the city post-retirement.
An outspoken advocate for law enforcement, he had previously urged the public in a July 2020 op-ed to avoid generalized blame on police officers amid rising protests over the police-related death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
He remarked, “Our nation’s courageous police officers face one of the most perilous and stressful jobs, yet they manage their responsibilities with care and compassion.” Dolan added, “We’re compounding their challenges with ongoing, and sometimes exaggerated, criticism alongside violence and ridicule.”
Dolan was ordained as a priest in 1976 and became a member of the Council of Cardinals in 2012, where he played a part in electing both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.
He expressed enthusiasm for the new role, viewing it as a chance to reconnect with his roots as a “good parish priest” and to provide counsel to police officers, indicating that it offers a meaningful way to enter “the final chapter of my life as a priest.”
Reverend A.R. Bernard operates the Christian Cultural Center, which spans 11.5 acres in Starrett City, and has extended his ministry to Long Island, Florida, and Georgia, boasting over 37,000 members.
A significant voice in the black Christian community, Bernard was honored in November with a special award from the NYPD Guardian Association, a fraternal organization for African American police officers. He expressed gratitude for the chance to continue collaborating with leaders like Commissioner Tisch.
Bernard had previously stated in 2020 that he believes police officers should receive better compensation and face higher standards.
NYPD chaplains are tasked with providing confidential counseling, moral support, and guidance, responding directly to critical incidents involving officers.
Commissioner Tisch remarked, “For decades, both Dolan and Bernard have influenced the spiritual landscape of our city, extending their leadership well beyond the pulpit. Their choice to serve in the NYPD illustrates the enduring connection between faith and law enforcement, along with the significant role of senior chaplains in the lives of the brave individuals wearing the badge.”
