Bishop Vann Named Chair, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) Board, Succeeds Bishop Garcia

WASHINGTON—BishopKevin Vann of Orange, California, has been appointed chairman of the CatholicLegal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) Board of Directors by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky,president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Archbishop Kurtz madethe announcement November 18.

"Bishop Vannbrings important experience to this leadership position," said ArchbishopKurtz. "I and the other members of the bishops' conference thank him foraccepting this responsibility. Our gratitude goes as well to his predecessor, BishopRichard Garcia of Monterey, California, who served as chair during thiscritical time in immigration history."

BishopGarcia was reelected as member of the board of directors, and will continueserving CLINIC in that capacity.

At theGeneral Assembly, the bishops also re-elected Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miamias a member of CLINIC's board.

Bishop Vannwas named Bishop of Orange, California, in September 2012. He previously servedas Bishop of Fort Worth, Texas. He was ordained a priest for the diocese ofSpringfield, Illinois, in 1981. He has previously served on the CLINIC board.

The USCCBestablished CLINIC in 1988 to support a rapidly growing network ofcommunity-based immigration programs. Its mission is to embrace the Gospelvalue of welcoming the stranger, promoting dignity and protecting the rights ofimmigrants. The network includes 250 diocesan and other affiliatedimmigration programs with 300 field offices in 46 states.

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, ArchbishopJoseph Kurtz, Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop Richard Garcia, CLINIC, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.