The New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC) represents the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on matters of public policy. NJCC serves as a liaison to governmental agencies and institutions and coordinates public policy communications and activities among the dioceses and between the Bishops and secular agencies. The Archbishop of Newark is the President of NJCC. There are more than 3.5 million Catholics registered in parishes in the seven dioceses throughout New Jersey that are served by NJCC.
In 1949, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey established the New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC) to help facilitate improved communication and coordination among Catholic dioceses in the area of public policy.
In 1969, the Bishops reorganized NJCC and appointed Monsignor Aloysius Welsh of the Archdiocese of Newark as the first full-time Executive Coordinator, a position that has since been restructured as executive director.
Over the last six decades, NJCC has helped to coordinate public policy communications and activities among the dioceses and between the Bishops and governmental and non-profit agencies.
In addition to monitoring legislation and administrative regulations at the state and federal levels, NJCC works with the diocesan offices for respect life, family life, social concerns, Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, and Catholic hospitals. In accordance with Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, NJCC never endorses and never provides any support to political candidates or political organizations.
More than 3.5 million Catholics are registered in over 600 parishes in the seven Catholic dioceses served by NJCC. The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, is President of NJCC and Patrick R. Brannigan is Executive Director. Current Conference staff includes Dr. George V. Corwell, Director of the Office for Education; James J. King., Director for Social Concerns; Elmer M. Matthews, Esq., General Counsel; Ms. Deshawn Hunt, Office Manager; and Anne Conte, Secretary.