A Brief History of the Ministerium

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The Ministerium of Long Branch and Vicinity began in the 1950’s as part of a religious reawakening following WWII.  At this time there was a hope that most mainline Protestant denominations could join together as they had joined together to serve the members of the armed services during that conflict. 

In the 1980’s this group was expanded to include both Roman Catholic and Jewish congregations.  Eventually Rabbi Jonathan Waxman of Temple Beth Sholom became the long-term President.  The 1980’s also became important because of the establishment of a Protestant Chaplaincy program at Monmouth Medical Center. 

Today the Ministerium supports the work of Chaplain Tony Cinardo as he works with Sister Diane Matera and Rabbi Ephraim Karp to provide spiritual support for the patients and staff of Monmouth Medical Center.

Through the years the Ministerium has provided a forum for a variety of community leaders to address various community needs and concerns.  This organization has proved of special value during times of unrest and disaster.  The oldest continually existing interreligious group in New Jersey, the Ministerium looks forward to the privilege of serving the greater Long Branch community in the years ahead.