By Most Rev. Robert James Carlson, Catholics United for the Faith, March 1999 - (Written in 1999) The next Synod of Bishops endeavors to examine the role and importance of the episcopacy throughout the world. At a time of renewal and tremendous outpouring of grace from the Holy Spirit, we are invited as we approach the brink of the new millennium to take a courageous, honest, hopeful, and challenging look at Catholic leadership and the prominent place held by the Bishop in carrying forth the Gospel mandate to bear the light of Christ to all nations… In the pages which follow, we shall briefly reflect upon some of the most important duties of the Bishop, particularly in light of the contemporary challenges inevitably facing every Bishop.