As coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Camden, Bishop Joseph Williams will bring a wealth of experience and a deep love for the Latino community. Known for his deep commitment to Latino and Spanish-speaking Catholics in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Bishop Williams has dedicated his ministry to healing, advocacy and evangelization. His work includes efforts to break down negative stereotypes about undocumented immigrants, neighborhood evangelization and creating welcoming spaces for Spanish-speaking Catholics.
Having served as pastor of predominantly Latino parishes, such as Saint Stephen in Minneapolis and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Saint Paul, Bishop Williams has demonstrated a heart for building communities. He demonstrated a compassionate pastoral presence, inviting the marginalized to actively participate in parish life. He worked to transform cultural perceptions, providing a sense of belonging and dignity to Latino immigrants.
His work as archdiocesan vicar for Latino Ministry, since 2018, also highlights his dedication to elevating the voices and needs of Latino Catholics.
Bishop Williams’ new role in the Diocese of Camden will be an opportunity to build on these efforts. As coadjutor bishop, we are confident that he will focus on integrating the Latino community into the life of the Church in Camden, as did his most recent predecessor, Bishop Joseph Galante, and our current Bishop Dennis Sullivan – both also bilingual. Given the growing presence of Latino Catholics in the Diocese of Camden, Bishop Williams’ ability to connect with Spanish-speaking parishioners will be invaluable. He will undoubtedly continue his ministry of breaking down barriers, advocating for marginalized communities and fostering a deeper faith through neighborhood outreach and evangelization.
Having known Bishop Williams personally since the V National Encuentro in Dallas in 2018, when he was not yet a bishop, I have witnessed firsthand his deep passion for the Latino community, especially in the formation of leaders within the ecclesial movements. I vividly remember our conversation about his love for the Latino community and his commitment to ensuring that Latino leaders are well-formed and trained to serve the Church effectively.
In our future communications, as we discussed the importance of evangelization and the proper formation of Latino leaders, I realized what a pastoral man he is: a pastor whose heart truly beats for the Latino population and their spiritual well-being.
More recently, I have seen his great interest in intentionally serving the Latino community. At the press conference during his presentation to the Diocese in May, I was impressed that he not only remembered that I had given him my book on the Holy Spirit in Spanish, but that he had read it. It was also a joy to meet him at one of the Spanish Masses and to share during the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. All of this demonstrates his closeness to the Spanish language and his desire to learn more about the reality of Hispanics in this country. Bishop Williams’ dedication will undoubtedly enrich the spiritual life and leadership within the Diocese of Camden.
As bishop coadjutor, Bishop Williams will be tasked with supporting Bishop Sullivan’s current work as he prepares to succeed Bishop Sullivan next year. His vision for a welcoming and inclusive Church is clear, and his leadership will empower the Latino community to deepen their faith, grow in communion with one another and share their gifts with the wider Church. With a deep connection to the Gospel and a heart attuned to the needs of his people, Bishop Williams will undoubtedly bring vitality to the Church in South Jersey.
Andrés Arango is the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of evangelization for the Diocese of Camden.
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