On the second day of the “extraordinary meeting” of the IMBISA standing committee and presidents of Bishops’ Conferences, Mass was presided by Archbishop Gerard Tlali Lerotholi OMI (archbishop of Maseru, Lesotho).
Taking from the calling of Moses to lead his people, he spoke about the word “leader” being used as an acronym of what it means to be one.
- L – Being a leader means being able to listen (not answering questions … no one is asking!);
- E – A leader is someone who leads by example aware that people follow what they see;
- A – A leader has the “correct” attitude like the one David had facing Goliath (“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Sam 17: 47);
- D – A leader is able to dream and we do not lack familiar examples. Enough to think of Martin Luther King Jr or Nelson Mandela;
- E – A leader makes sure he is able to empower other people;
- R – A leader takes responsibility. While a leader delegates many things, taking responsibility cannot be delegated.
Each one of these elements guided the bishops as they continued to give shape to the journey IMBISA will be taking in the next coming years.
