Howard James Hubbard
| The Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard DD | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Albany | |
| Province | New York |
| Diocese | Albany |
| Installed | March 27, 1977 |
| Term ended | incumbent |
| Predecessor | Edwin B. Broderick |
| Orders | |
| Ordination |
December 18, 1963 by Martin John O'Connor |
| Consecration |
March 27, 1977 by Terence Cooke, Edwin B. Broderick, and Edward J. Maginn |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
October 31, 1938 Troy, New York |
| Nationality |
 U.S.A. |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| Styles of Howard Hubbard | |
|---|---|
.svg.png) | |
| Reference style | The Most Reverend |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Bishop |
Howard James Hubbard, DD (born October 31, 1938) is an United States prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the ninth and current Bishop of Albany.
Early life and ministry
Howard Hubbard was born in Troy, New York, to Howard and Elizabeth Hubbard. He attended La Salle Institute, and entered Mater Christi Seminary in 1956. He furthered his studies at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers and the Pontifical North American College and Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. While in Rome, Hubbard was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Martin O'Connor on December 18, 1963.[1]
Upon his return to the United States, he served as associate pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Schenectady and at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. He then did his graduate studies in social services at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Episcopal career
On February 2, 1977, Hubbard was appointed Bishop of Albany by Pope Paul VI. He received his episcopal consecration on the following March 27 from Cardinal Terence Cooke, with Bishops Edwin B. Broderick and Edward Joseph Maginn serving as co-consecrators.
Appointed by Pope John Paul II to the Vatican's Secretariat for Non-Christians (now the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue), he is a supporter of the ecumenical movement, serving as Roman Catholic Co-chair of the Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic Consultation. Under his leadership, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has had a very active Catholic-Jewish dialogue, and has been at the forefront of efforts to achieve a good working relationship between the Roman Catholic Diocese and the Jewish community. He has been a leader in pro-life efforts, suing to prevent an abortion clinic from opening in Albany and serving as president of New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty.
In 2004, independent investigators cleared Hubbard of allegations of sexual misconduct, stating that "The facts did not substantiate any of the charges against Bishop Hubbard"[2]
As of 2013, Hubbard's tenure as bishop is the longest tenure in the Diocese's history, at 36 years. The previous record was 35 years belonging to Edmund Gibbons.[3] Liturgical design consultant Richard S. Vosko served as his liturgical adviser during his tenure.[4]
Abuse affairs
In March 19, 2011, Hubbard placed three retired priests on administrative leave and removed another from the ministry after receiving allegations of child sexual abuse.[5]
Communion Controversy
In March 2011, Hubbard gave an interview in which he explained that he would not deny communion to New York's Governor, Andrew Cuomo.[6] Critics of the bishop have argued that Cuomo should be denied communion either for his pro-choice and pro-gay marriage political positions, his cohabitation with a girlfriend, or both.
Retirement
The Canon Law (401.1) of the Latin Rite branch of the Catholic Church requests that all bishops of that particular church submit their resignation in their 75th year; accordingly, Hubbard submitted his letter to Pope Francis, and will serve as bishop until his successor is chosen.
Episcopal succession
| Episcopal lineage | |
| Consecrated by: | Terence Cooke |
| Consecrator of | |
|---|---|
| Bishop | Date of consecration |
| Harry Joseph Flynn | June 24, 1986 |
References
- ↑ "Bishop Howard James Hubbard". Catholic Hierarchy. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
- ↑ New York Times: "Report Clears Albany Bishop In Sexual Misconduct Inquiry" June 25, 2004
- ↑ "Bishop to mark 25 years leading Diocese". The Evangelist. 2002-03-14. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
- ↑ The Wanderer: "The Bishop's Denials...Reflections on a Press Conference and Agony in Albany" By Paul Likoudis February 27, 2004
- ↑ "Retired priest removed, 3 on leave". Times Union. 2011-03-22. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
- ↑ "Cuomo’s Right to Holy Communion Is a Private Matter, Bishop Says". New York Times. 2011-03-22. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
External links
| Catholic Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Edwin Broderick |
Bishop of Albany 1977– |
Incumbent |