USCCB Defense of Marriage Specialist Named Executive Director of Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, Youth

WASHINGTON—Andrew W. Lichtenwalner, a program specialist on defense of marriage at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has been named executive director of the USCCB Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.

His appointment is effective January 1, 2012. He succeeds H. Richard McCord, Ed. D., who plans to retire at the end of the year.

Lichtenwalner is a 2012 candidate for a Ph.D. in systematic theology from The Catholic University of America, with a specialization in ecclesiology and the theology of marriage. He holds a master of arts degree in theology from the University of Dallas, and a bachelor of arts degree in religion and philosophy from the University of Georgia.

He joined the USCCB staff in 2006 as a catechism specialist and in 2009 became a program specialist working on defense of marriage. He has also served as lead staff to several task forces and currently is the executive coordinator of the USCCB National Advisory Council.

In his new position, Lichtenwalner will direct the USCCB staff who deal with advancing the vocation and mission of the laity, married couples and families, lay ecclesial ministers and youth. He also will be responsible for development of church efforts in the promotion and protection of marriage.

“Andrew Lichtenwalner brings evident commitment to the Church and its role in U.S. society,” said Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, USCCB general secretary, in making the appointment.

“As a husband and father he merges the world of family life with his theological scholarship. I am delighted that his expertise and dedication to service on behalf of the Church and bishops of the USCCB will continue in his new position.”

Msgr. Jenkins also praised McCord for his work at the conference where he has served for 23 years.

“Richard McCord has worked in the secretariat both as its leader and as associate director,” he said. “He has been key staff in the development of several church documents on marriage and family life and helped in the development of the growing international event, World Youth Day. He leaves solid ground on which to build.”

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Keywords: Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, Andrew Lichtenwalner, H. Richard McCord, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, bishops, family, laity, World Youth Day