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I mean, in terms of training, experience and day-to-day work, did Mitt do anything that was the same as what the Cardinal Archbishop or New York does day in and day out?

I just don't think of the stake pres. being a "high church official." Although a respected fellow, he's just the farmer down the street who reads the instruction book and does what he's told and never gets paid for it.

Is there a better comparison?

I can't think of one.

I posted this question over on RfM but would be interested in MD imput.

link to article that inspired the question
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/helen-c-w ... tions-2012

Sub edited for clarity

Tbm answer: no, a sp has authority and will be guided by discernment. The catholic bishop has neither.

But that aside, in terms of responsibilities I think a member of the 70 (local area authority) would be a better comparison to a catholic bishop.