Chat With The Bishop

Over the years, I've run into Bishop William Skylstad, head of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, at many events. Our chats have always been interesting, because he doesn't seem afraid to hear viewpoints that might differ from his own, as mine sometimes do.

The Bishop has an impossible job in many ways, with a schedule that would do in most of the rest of us. He oversees more than 50 priests and more than 80 parishes. And, in these times of Catholic turmoil, he's often talking with people with very strong opinions. He hears from conservative and liberal Catholics and from those who feel he hasn't done enough to heal the sexual abuse crisis and those who feels he's done too much for the victims.

And, on top of this, he's vice president of the United States Conference of Bishops. He recently returned from a nine-day trip to Rome and participated in the 25th anniversary celebrations for Pope John Paul II.

This Wednesday, Nov. 5., Bishop Skylstad will be at The Spokesman-Review for an hourlong online chat beginning at 1:30. You can submit questions in advance at www.spokesmanreview.com or join the chat live.