Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

During the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' fall meeting on November 12, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre was elected as the chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. The election saw Archbishop Fabre secure a 158-81 vote over Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson, New Jersey.

Archbishop Fabre expressed his gratitude by stating, “I am honored that my brother bishops have entrusted me to lead the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development as chairman.” He added that he looks forward to working with the committee to advance the Church's social mission through education and advocacy.

The Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development is tasked with assisting bishops in advancing the Church's social mission through education, policy development, and advocacy. It advises bishops on issues related to human dignity and development. According to the USCCB website, its key responsibilities include promoting social teachings of the Church, applying Catholic social teaching to domestic issues like poverty and civil rights, advocating for vulnerable populations in public policy, and building capacity within the Church to defend human life and dignity.

Archbishop Fabre has previously served as chairman of both the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and the Subcommittee on African-American Affairs. He also served on the board of Catholic Relief Services.

In addition to Archbishop Fabre's election, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis was elected treasurer-elect. He will assume office at the end of next year's fall meeting for a three-year term. The USCCB treasurer manages conference funds for "sound fiscal administration" and serves as vice chair of the Committee on Priorities and Plans.

Archbishop Hebda has led efforts in restructuring resources within his archdiocese since 2015 following a previous archbishop's resignation over mismanagement issues.

Other committee chairs elected include Auxiliary Bishop Michael G. Woost for Divine Worship; Bishop Ronald A. Hicks for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations; Bishop Edward J. Burns for Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth; and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill for Migration.

Additionally, two bishops were confirmed to serve on Catholic Relief Services' board: Bishop Donald J. Hying was confirmed for a second term while Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala was confirmed for his first term.