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Members of the Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey, as interfaith religious and spiritual leaders, seek at this moment in time to affirm their concern for the common good of the people of New Jersey. Their deep concern is grounded in their moral and ethical sacred texts that teach compassion and caring for one another.

Pope Francis has named three new auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Newark, appointing Abbot Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., Reverend Michael A. Saporito, and Reverend Monsignor Gregory J. Studerus, E.V.

Newark Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop Charles J. McDonnell, passed away on February 13, 2020. The bishop served the diocese from 1994-2004. Let us pray for his eternal rest in peace.

The Archdiocese of Newark Issued a statement on the recent shootings in Jersey City.

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, and chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, issued the following statement in response to the recent attacks in Jersey City.

Bishop David M. O'Connell issued a statement regarding proposed bills in the New Jersey State Legislature, S3804/A5508, which raise serious concerns that put that religious freedom in jeopardy.

Recently, I contacted the sponsors and co-sponsors of some proposed legislation here in New Jersey to express my concerns about its negative impact upon the Catholic Church and other religious entities. Click on the Title to read the full statement.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. asks, "How many people have to die from unspeakable violence until our legislators act on gun control legislation?" Twenty-five years ago the U.S. Bishops wrote, "Our families are torn by violence. Our communities are destroyed by violence. Our faith is tested by violence. We have an obligation to respond. Read the full statement HERE

On August 1, 2019, the “Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act” becomes law. The law permits physician-assisted suicide for competent, New Jersey residents over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six months or less to live. Cardinal Joseph Tobin has issued a statement on the sacredness of all human life and accompanying those that are suffering. Read the full statement HERE.

As Assisted Suicide legislation becomes law in New Jersey, Bishop David O'Connell, C.M. issued a reflection. “Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act,” which permits physician-assisted suicide for competent, New Jersey residents over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six months or less to live, became law on August 1, 2019. Read the full statement HERE.

Bishop James Checchio has issued a letter regarding the “Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act” becoming law. The law permits physician-assisted suicide for competent, New Jersey residents over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six months or less to live. Read the entire letter HERE.

While the NJCC opposed New Jersey’s aid in dying legislation, the Catholic Church always has provided and discussed palliative and hospice care options to our patients and their families.   Through palliative and hospice care, the tools to alleviate pain and to bring physical, psychological and spiritual comfort to terminally ill patients are available more today than ever before.  As a society, we need to increase our efforts to inform both the medical community and the general public about the wonderful advances in palliative and hospice care.

Our affordable housing crisis needs immediate action, say all 5 directors of N.J.'s Catholic Charities

On Monday, June 17, 2019, President Donald J. Trump announced impending immigration enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Subsequent press reports on Friday, June 21 indicated that ICE has plans for an enforcement operation in major cities to remove thousands of migrant families with deportation orders.

Camden Diocese Bishop Emeritus, Joseph Anthony Galante, passed away on Saturday, May 25. The bishop served the diocese from 2004 – 2013. Let us pray for his eternal rest in peace.

April 3, 2019 It is with a profound sense of sadness that I have read about the proposed cutoff of humanitarian aid to the Northern Triangle countries of Central America. I continue to be amazed that some still do not understand what forces people to leave their home country. Most are escaping extreme violence and poverty. The decision to leave one’s home does not come easily or without sacrifice. READ the Full Statement

The name of God and of humanity were desecrated today in Christchurch, New Zealand when people filled with hate violated the sacred precincts of two mosques and murdered 49 innocent people during prayer. We grieve with the bereaved families of the victims and their communities, and we condemn in the strongest terms possible these barbaric acts of premeditated violence and murder. Click to read full statement.

The Roman Catholic Bishops of New Jersey announced today their decision to retain Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille Biros to design, implement and administer a statewide Victims Compensation Program for the submission, evaluation, and settlement of individual claims of sexual abuse of a minor. 

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, announced today that the Archdiocese of Newark and the Dioceses of Camden, Trenton, Paterson and Metuchen are committed to the establishment of a Victim Compensation and Counseling Program.  The details and mechanics of this Program will be finalized after consultation with - and input from - all stakeholders, and will be released when they are available.