The New York City Commission of Religious Leaders, with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America among the cosignatories, recently released a statement condemning the horrific violence against the Muslim community in San Diego, stating: “Violence fueled by any form of religious or ethnic hatred is an assault on all of us ... We mourn the lives that were lost and pray for recovery of the injured.” Read the full statement:

Today, I had the honor of meeting with Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, and Ambassador Tamer El Miligy, Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

As National Police Week comes to a close, I extend my gratitude and respect to law enforcement officers across New York City and across the nation. As an NYPD Chaplain, I consider it a privilege to walk alongside those in the line of duty, providing spiritual guidance, support and encouragement. May we continue to honor the service, sacrifice, and humanity of every individual who protects our communities each day. Tag an officer you appreciate! #nationalpoliceweek

I’m proud to partner with Healthy Moms Healthy Babies of America in their mission to cut the U.S. maternal mortality rate in half over the next five years. Every mother deserves the opportunity to experience pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood with the care, support, and resources needed to thrive. Tag a woman you appreciate and help us continue spreading awareness around maternal health and wellness.

Join me tomorrow (May 14th) at 11am ET as I sit down on @FOX5NY’s podcast Passion & Faith with @TsWhitlow. We’ll be discussing faith, division, and purpose in today’s world. You can watch the live interactive interview on YouTube: youtube.com/live/yowUu4-BW30

It was an honor to stand alongside the #NYPD as we gave flowers to a woman whose decades of advocacy helped shape public safety in Eastern Queens. For more than 40 years, Mrs. Bess Debetham fought tirelessly for better police coverage, believing that families and neighborhoods deserved timely protection and equal security. Her dedication led to the establishment of the 116th Precinct, which has helped improve response times and provide greater support to communities she deeply cares for. Today’s community room dedication was more than a ceremony. It was a recognition of persistence, service, and the impact one committed voice can have on an entire community.

On Sunday afternoon, I was honored to offer the invocation at the swearing-in ceremony for the Honorable Dagmar Plaza-Gonzalez, Brooklyn’s newest judge serving in the Civil Court of New York City’s Kings County. This moment reflects her longstanding commitment to service and the community's trust in her leadership. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

On Sunday April 19th, NYPD’s largest and oldest religious fraternal organization held its 106th annual communion breakfast. As NYPD Chief Chaplain, I shared the dais with Chaplains Romano, Limongi and Franco while Police Commissioner Jessica Tish addressed the gathering. (@nypdnews @nypdpc)

Earlier this week, I stood alongside community leaders in support of @GovKathyHochul’s new initiative Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes. This effort will provide up to $70 million of grant funding to help strengthen in-person and cyber security of community-based organizations. Additionally, she proposed legislation for a 25-foot buffer zone around New York houses of worship, which would prohibit protestors from entering or interrupting services. Security grants are not optional, they’re a moral necessity. If we’re serious about confronting hate and protecting religious freedom, then we must be just as serious about safeguarding the spaces where that freedom is lived out. To learn more about this program, visit governor.ny.gov/apply-securi….

Why we support the City Council’s Safe Access plan nydailynews.com/2026/02/26/w… (via @nydailynews)

I look forward to further serving my community while supporting our officers in this dual role alongside Cardinal Timothy Dolan (@cardinaldolan). We have shared nearly 20 years of friendship and partnership, including our leadership through the New York Commission of Religious Leaders, and previously stood together to support the department and the city through times of crisis in 2014. As Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch (@nypdpc) said, “It was very clear to me and, of course, no surprise that both understood instinctively the tremendous weight of serving in law enforcement. I have long seen the role of the chaplains’ unit at the N.Y.P.D. — one of the major roles — is to make sure that our officers never have to bear that weight alone.” It is an honor to help cast vision for the spiritual and moral life of nearly 50,000 NYPD employees — both law enforcement and civilian personnel. Read the full @nytimes feature: nytimes.com/2026/02/09/nyreg… @nypdnews

Barack Obama: former President of the United States, constitutional scholar, Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Michelle Obama: Princeton and Harvard Law graduate, former First Lady, global advocate for health, education, and families. These are Americans whose lives reflect intellect, discipline, and decades of public service. To depict them as apes is not satire or politics, it is racial dehumanization, drawing from one of history’s ugliest traditions. Every human being bears the image of God. When that truth is mocked, justice itself is sacrificed on the altar of racial ideology. Disagree fiercely. Debate freely. Never dehumanize.

Continuing my fantstic and fulfilling Jakarta trip. Meeting with 2,000 leaders, three Sunday services, television interview with Pastor Jeffrey Rachment, and indigenous food of course. Thank you Jakarta Praise Community Church @jpcchurch! What a Blessing!!

Does God Want Us Rich? Food for thought. What do you think?

Happy 70th Birthday Pastor A.R. Bernard!