NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Bishop Reginald Jackson, one of the most politically influential Black ministers in New Jersey, has died at the age of 71.

Bishop Jackson was a pastor at Saint Matthew Church in Orange and executive director of the Black Ministers Council, which included more than 600 churches in New Jersey.

He left New Jersey after being elected bishop of the African Methodist Church.

In a statement, Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill said, "We are heartbroken by the passing of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, a towering moral force and one of New Jersey's most influential faith leaders. His voice, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to justice strengthened communities across our state and far beyond."

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