Cardinal Dolan, Reverend Bernard named NYPD co-chaplains

Police Commissioner Tisch cites their "righteousness" in selecting the religious leaders

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the former archbishop of New York, and Reverend A.R. Bernard, founder of the Christian Cultural Center megachurch in Brooklyn, have been named as the new co-chaplains of the New York Police Department. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch is expected to announce the appointments during her State of the NYPD address on February 10, citing the "righteousness" of the two religious leaders.

Why it matters

The NYPD chaplain role has long been seen as an important position, providing spiritual guidance and support to the department's thousands of uniformed officers. The selection of two prominent and respected religious figures like Dolan and Bernard is seen as a move to bolster the chaplaincy program and its influence within the department.

The details

Dolan, 76, is stepping down from his role as archbishop of New York, handing over the reins of St. Patrick's Cathedral to Archbishop Ronald Hicks. Bernard is the founder and senior pastor of the Christian Cultural Center megachurch in Brooklyn, which has an estimated 37,000 members. Both men will serve as part-time co-chaplains for the NYPD.

  • Dolan handed over the St. Patrick's Cathedral leadership to Archbishop Hicks last week.
  • Tisch is expected to announce Dolan and Bernard's appointments as NYPD co-chaplains on February 10.

The players

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

The former archbishop of New York who is stepping down from his role at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Reverend A.R. Bernard

The founder and senior pastor of the Christian Cultural Center megachurch in Brooklyn, which has an estimated 37,000 members.

Jessica Tisch

The Police Commissioner of the New York Police Department.

Michael LiPetri

The Chief of Department for the New York Police Department.

Archbishop Ronald Hicks

The new archbishop appointed to lead the 2.8 million Roman Catholics in the Archdiocese of New York after Dolan's resignation.

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What they’re saying

“As I was thinking about who should fill this role, one Hebrew word kept coming to mind — 'Tzadik,' a person of righteousness. Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Reverend A.R. Bernard are two of the most righteous people this City has ever known. They are two men of incredible faith whose life and leadership embody the moral clarity, compassion, and wisdom our officers rely on in their hardest moments.”

— Jessica Tisch, Police Commissioner (amny.com)

“For decades, they have helped shape the spiritual life of this city through leadership that reaches far beyond their pulpits. Their decision to serve the NYPD speaks to something enduring between faith and policing, and to the place the Chief Chaplain role has long held in the lives of the men and women who wear the shield.”

— Jessica Tisch, Police Commissioner (amny.com)

What’s next

Dolan and Bernard will officially begin their roles as NYPD co-chaplains following Tisch's announcement on February 10.

The takeaway

The selection of two prominent religious leaders like Cardinal Dolan and Reverend Bernard to serve as NYPD co-chaplains underscores the important role that faith and spiritual guidance play in supporting the department's officers, particularly in their most challenging moments on the job.