As the head of the NCCB Dearden was known as "the unobtrusive liberal" for his emphasis on governing through consensus. During his tenure, the conference approved several liturgical reforms, including using English for the eucharistic prayer, authorizing extraordinary ministers of Communion, and holding Saturday evening Masses. Following the death of Cardinal Francis Spellman, Dearden was considered a likely candidate to become Archbishop of New York. In 1971, Dearden was succeeded as president of the NCCB/USCC by John Krol of Philadelphia, who was seen as a leading conservative.