A.R. Bernard

A.R. Bernard is the pastor, founder, and CEO of the Christian Cultural Center, a congregation of 45,000 members. Bernard has served as the President of the Council of Churches of the City of New York, representing 1.5 million Protestants, Anglicans and Orthodox Christians. Bernard founded the Christian Community Relations Council, a NY based not-for-profit that serves as a central resource and coordinating body for congregations and community organizations. He is also currently on the Board of Directors for the Commission of Religious Leaders (CORL).

Bernard served on the NYC Economic Development Corporation Board for Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; on the NYC School Chancellor’s Advisory Cabinet; and on Mayor Bloomberg’s 2001 Transition Team as well as Mayor de Blasio’s 2014 Transition Team.

Bernard has a masters in urban studies and a masters in divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Wagner College and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Nyack College/Alliance Theological Seminary.