Diocese of Camden

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Diocese of Camden

Overview
The Diocese of Camden is a Roman Catholic diocese in New Jersey, part of the Archdiocese of Newark’s metropolitan area. It covers the South Jersey counties of Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem. The diocese’s central church is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden. As of 2020, about 1.41 million people live in the area, with approximately 487,000 Catholics (about 34.5%). The diocese has around 62 parishes and runs a range of Catholic schools and ministries. The bishop as of 2025 is Joseph A. Williams, who previously served as coadjutor in 2024 and became bishop in 2025. The diocese’s offices and work are based in Camden, with a history of many parishes, schools, and social services.

History (in brief)
- The area has long been home to Catholics, with early parish activity in the 18th and 19th centuries as the Catholic Church expanded in New Jersey.
- On December 9, 1937, Pope Pius XI created the Diocese of Camden, taking territory from the Diocese of Trenton. Bartholomew J. Eustace was named the first bishop.
- The mid-20th century saw rapid growth: new parishes, schools, and social programs; churches were established to serve growing Catholic communities, including African-American and Spanish-speaking communities.
- Over the years, the diocese built hospitals, opened new schools, and expanded lay and religious education programs. It also opened several high schools and elementary schools and created various ministries to serve different communities.

Bishops (past and present)
- Bartholomew J. Eustace (1938–1956)
- Justin J. McCarthy (1957–1959)
- Celestine Damiano (1960–1967), with personal title of Archbishop
- George Henry Guilfoyle (1968–1989)
- James T. McHugh (1989–1998)
- Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio (1999–2003)
- Joseph Anthony Galante (2004–2013)
- Dennis Joseph Sullivan (2013–2025)
- Joseph A. Williams (2025–present; served as coadjutor in 2024)

Key issues and developments in recent decades
- The diocese has faced financial and legal pressures from clergy sexual-abuse claims. A 1984 case involved a teacher, John P. Connor, and allegations of abuse; a 2003 settlement addressed lawsuits filed in the 1990s and 1980s.
- In February 2019, New Jersey dioceses released a list naming clergy credibly accused of abuse; the Camden diocese accounted for a portion of those cases.
- In October 2020, amid ongoing abuse settlements and financial strain from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Camden filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
- In April 2022, the diocese reached a settlement of about $87.5 million to resolve abuse claims, among the larger settlements in the United States.
- In 2024 Pope Francis named Joseph A. Williams as coadjutor bishop; he became the diocese’s bishop in 2025, succeeding Sullivan.

Education and ministries
- The diocese has historically overseen a network of Catholic schools and youth programs, including several high schools and many elementary schools (some have closed in recent years as part of consolidation efforts).
- It has established ministries focused on ethnic communities (e.g., Spanish-speaking, Haitian, Korean, Vietnamese) and supported lay leadership through various apostolates and centers.
- Mater Ecclesiae Church (a diocesan mission) and Catholic Charities services are among the diocese’s notable initiatives to serve communities and provide social support.

Current status
Today, the Diocese of Camden continues its mission to serve South Jersey Catholics through its parishes, schools, ministries, and social services. It remains in a period of rebuilding and renewal following past financial and legal challenges, guided by its leadership under Bishop Joseph A. Williams. The diocese’s official site and communications continue to outline its ongoing work in education, evangelization, and service to those in need.