Father Michael J.K. Fuller Named Head of USCCB Doctrine Secretariat

 WASHINGTON—Father Michael J.K. Fuller, a priest of the diocese of Rockford, Illinois, has been named executive director of the Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The appointment was made by Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, USCCB General Secretary, and is effective August 8.

"I am confident that Father Fuller's ministerial skills and theological background offers the Secretariat well-established expertise that will complement and strengthen the office in service to the bishops," Msgr. Bransfield said.

Father Fuller has been associate professor and chair of the Department of Spiritual Theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary since 2011. He has also been editor of the Chicago Studies Theological Journal since 2012, and since 2002, has served as spiritual director and instructor for the Diaconate Formation Program of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois; and as instructor for the Diaconate Formation Program of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Prior to that, Father Fuller served as instructor, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Christian Life, (2002-2011), at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He taught at the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, (2004-2008); and was instructor in Health Care Ethics at Saint Anthony School of Nursing, Rockford, Illinois, (1998-2000). He also served as associate pastor of St. Bridget parish, Loves Park, Illinois, (1997-2000).

Father Fuller holds a doctorate in sacred theology. He also holds a master of divinity, a licentiate of sacred theology and a bachelor of sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockford, in 1997. Prior to entering seminary formation, Father Fuller spent two years in Swaziland, Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Father Fuller has written extensively in numerous scholarly publications and is the author of two books: Daily Prayer 2008 and The Virgin Martyrs: A Hagiographical and Mystagogical Interpretation. He is also a member of the North American Patristics Association, the Catholic Theological Association of America and the National Association of Diaconate Directors.

He succeeds Father Peter French Ryan, a member of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, who recently concluded his term.
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