Bishop Timothy L. Doherty of the diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana is the new episcopal liaison from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to CHA's board of trustees. He succeeds Bishop Kevin Vann of Fort Worth, Texas.
The episcopal liaison serves to strengthen the relationship between the two organizations by bringing the perspective of the bishops as a conference to CHA. CHA in turn looks to the liaison to express the needs of Catholic health care to the bishops' conference.
Bishop Doherty was ordained and installed as the bishop of Lafayette in 2010. He earned a doctorate in Christian ethics from Loyola University Chicago in 1996. In the mid to late 1990s, he was diocesan ethicist for health care issues in the diocese of Rockford, Ill., a post where he served as a liaison between Catholic health care ministries and the diocese.
Bishop Doherty represented the Conference of Diocesan Coordinators of Health Affairs as a participating observer to the CHA board from February 2004 through 2005. "I'm looking forward to (serving as episcopal liaison) and renewing acquaintances," with people in the health ministry, Bishop Doherty said. "My participation in the past was very edifying. I'm impressed by the skills and commitments to healing of the people on the board."
CHA President and Chief Executive Officer Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, said Bishop Doherty "understands the real needs of people, particularly the vulnerable. We're thrilled to have him back as a liaison."
CHA Chairman Joseph Swedish added, "We welcome Bishop Doherty's return to a role with the CHA board. His background in health care ethics and his commitment to the needs of people and patients will be of great benefit in the liaison role. He will be especially helpful as we address the many challenges we will encounter and we know he will make many contributions to our Catholic health ministry to navigate the future uncertainties."