Mitt Romney as a Christian Leader

Great article on Mitt Romney’s experiences as a Bishop and Stake President in the Boston area. First hand accounts of how he dealt with downtrodden immigrants, occasionally circumventing church bureaucracy, and an eyewitness account of his “Moonwalk” skills.

It sounds like Romney may not be as beholden to “process over people” as some claim. This article has something for everyone, from legitimate evidence that he indeed is pro-life to his willingness to listen to and work with feminist complaints within the Church.

Regardless, Mormon women in Boston still talk about an extraordinary 1993 meeting Romney called to address the women of the stake.

More than 250 members poured into the Belmont chapel. One by one they called out their issues while he stood at the front with three pads labeled: policies we can’t change, practices we can change, and things we can consider.

Nearly 100 proposals were made that day, including having female leaders give talks in various wards as the men on the high council do; letting women speak last in church; turning the chapels into day-care centers during the week; letting women stand in the circle while blessing newborn babies; recognizing the accomplishment of young women as the church does of Boy Scout advancements; and putting changing tables in the men’s rooms.

Many women left with a new appreciation of Romney’s openness.

He was “so brave,” says Robin Baker, who has worked on Exponent II.

Sievers, who worked with Romney to set up the meeting, was ecstatic.

“I was really surprised,” she says. “He implemented every single suggestion that I would have.”

A must read article that gives Romney that human touch his coverage has been lacking. Even more, it adds a needed dimension to what being a Mormon is all about. Not kooky doctrines or secret practices but compassionate service and care.

My only complaint, why has it taken so long for a story like this to be written and is it too late to help Romney?

(Possibly) Related posts:

1. “To Care For the Poor and Needy”
2. What could Mitt Romney be up to?
3. Krauthammer anoints Romney as GOP frontrunner