Fear Not...Katharine Jefferts Schori

We live in a world that is desperate for relief from fear. People in the United States are afraid of losing their jobs and home. Others are afraid of not being able to feed their children or themselves. Many of our politicians are afraid of being chucked out by their constituents if they don't answer their small-mindedness by prompting fear in others.

The fear all around us cries out for succor and comfort, and if we bear the image of God, we are also meant to be messengers of the holy one--fear not, God is with you. (Excerpt from the recently released book, "Gathering At God's Table, The Meaning Of Mission In The Feast of Faith"

--Katharine Jefferts Schori, 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States

Twice a month on Tuesdays, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. This week Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is featured. She is the first woman to be elected as the chief bishop or the highest leader of the Anglican Church in U.S. She was elected in 2006.

Bishop Jefferts Schori is responsible for initiating and developing policy for the Episcopal Church and speaks on behalf of the church regarding the policies, strategies, and programs of the church. Before her calling to the priesthood and subsequent ordination in 1994, she was an oceanographer. She has a B.S. in biology from Stanford University, an M.S. and Ph.D. in oceanography from Oregon State University, an M.Div. from Church Divinity School of the Pacific.

In today's video, Bishop Jefferts Schori talks about managing change within her church denomination, how she dealt with discrimination within the church, and the positive use of power. To view the Leadership Tuesdays' feature, click here. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, see here.