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	U.S. Bishops' Fall Assembly Starts with Call to Leadership Outgoing President Urges Prelates to Confront Society's Challenges Zenit November 12, 2007 http://zenit.org/article-20987?l=english BALTIMORE, Maryland — As the president of the U.S. bishops' conference ends his term, he is calling for his brother bishops to imitate the leadership of Jesus. Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane made this appeal today at the opening of the annual Fall General Assembly of the U.S. bishops' conference, under way through Thursday in Baltimore. The meeting began with a confirmation of the dates for Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to the United States, April 15-20. "Over the last three years, together, we have continued to live through challenging times in the life of the Church," Bishop Skylstad said. "Our religious liberty is constantly challenged and needs vigilant defense. Our voice for the unborn, the poor, the stranger, the abused — for peace and for justice — is strong, but not always welcome. "Our commitment to evangelization and catechesis […] confronts the material and spiritual challenges of our time. And our efforts to protect the young and defenseless entrusted to our pastoral care are needed now more than ever. Those challenges have been more than met by your support as a body of brother bishops." Bishop Skylstad encouraged the prelates in their leadership. "What is the nature of our leadership and authority, and how do we exercise it? To answer, we must look to the true model of leadership: that of Jesus of Nazareth," he said. "And we must ask: How did Jesus lead? How did he use his authority? "For us as bishops, a deep and Christ-like vision of leadership must be at the heart of our service. Christ has called us, as successors of the apostles, to be his voice in our time. And our time needs to hear the voice of Christ." During the assembly, the bishops will elect the next president, vice president and committee chairs. They are also set to vote on "Faithful Citizenship," a statement the episcopal conference issues every four years; and "Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship," a set of guidelines for liturgical music. Today the bishops discussed a draft statement on the war in Iraq, noting that the current situation "remains unacceptable and unsustainable." The text, which will be signed by Bishop Skylstad, is set to be released Tuesday. The bishops also heard today an update on research for the Causes and Context Study of the clergy sexual abuse of minors by John Jay School of Criminal Justice. In the coming days the bishops will vote on doctrinal elements for high school catechetical materials, weekday celebrations of the Liturgy of the Word when a priest is unavailable, and revision to conference bylaws. The agenda also includes a revision of the National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage, and reports on U.S. participation next July 15-20 in World Youth Day '08 in Sydney, Australia.
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