But even in the best of times it is important for the top decision-maker to consider the opinions of traditionally disenfranchised people who serve at the highest levels of the church. Such consideration often works to eliminate feelings of alienation, which, if left unchecked, can reduce the effectiveness of healthy relations between the races and produce a net result of distrust within the institution. Surely the experience of these years would make me a font of information. However, I found I really couldn't warm to that topic. After these 12 years, I have learned there is no simple word one can offer, no standard formula and little conventional wisdom.
Every day is different, every person is unique and no two challenges are the same.
But from knowing and loving Frank and Phoebe, I am aware that they are truly grounded in the Lord, and to trust and be faithful is already natural to their way of being. Instead, the question got me thinking about what kind of advice I might give to the members of the church. Being the presiding bishop is not about one person. It is about a community of faithful people who are working together to carry out the gospel imperatives. It is about a community of faithful people who love one another, as Christ loved us.