Atkinson convinced San Francisco is just a stop

Intermountain Catholic

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Community activist Pamela Atkinson said she learned early the faith difference between her and Bishop Niederauer wasn't important, what they could accomplish together was. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

SALT LAKE CITY — Community activist Pamela Atkinson first liked Bishop George Niederauer for his smile, then for his cheerfulness. In a Jan. 21 interview with the Intermountain Catholic, Atkinson said she believed he would eventually end up in Rome. She thinks there is still a place for him there.

"I don’t think he has any idea how large an asset he has become for us," she said. "He’s one of the greatest – a gentle giant."

Calling Bishop Niederauer "quietly effective," Atkinson said he took a major role in the Alliance For Unity, making major statements at Alliance events.

"He also made bold statements in homilies, in small groups, and at social events," she said. "This is who he is. He is without pretense; the real thing. He epitomizes the teachings of Christ, reaching out to everyone; people of many faiths."

Atkinson, a member of the Presbyterian Church, said she and Bishop Niederauer shared many commonalities. "Our differences were not important. His friendship is something I value, appreciate, and treasure."

Her favorite memory of Bishop Niederauer is a lunch they shared at the Oasis Restaurant shortly after they met. "We chatted like old friends. We’ve had many one-on-one meetings at the diocese since then. One day I stopped by to give him some medicine for his very bad cold, and he seemed genuinely appreciative of the effort."

Bishop Niederauer’s caring for others comes through his actions, Atkinson said. "It’s in how he looks at the issues, how he speaks. He’s adopted a management style that empowers people. He’s quite a team player. He believes in the ‘we’ rather than the ‘I.’"

Atkinson served on the board of directors of Catholic Community Services of Utah with Bishop Niederauer for seven years.

"He’s quite a character; well-read. He is articulate on so many subjects – art, history, literature – and he always has something to add; a quote from some artist, writer, or public figure. He’s one of the most intelligent men I’ve met."

In agreeing to become the eighth archbishop of San Francisco, Bishop Niederauer is doing exactly what God wants him to do, Atkinson said. She insists he’s just taking the long way round becoming a cardinal.

"The people of San Francisco may be in for a surprise," she said. "George Niederauer is not a diamond in the rough. He’s a polished diamond. He has so much to offer that city. I think they will be astonishingly surprised."

After all, she continued, "we didn’t know we were getting this brilliant man, did we?"

If San Francisco Catholics are looking for a great Christian role model, they’ll find it in Bishop Niederauer, Atkinson said.

"Every Christmas Eve, I’ve left the Presbyterian Church at night, and turned on my radio to hear Bishop Niederauer’s homily at the Midnight Mass in the Cathedral of the Madeleine," she said. "I’m sure going to miss hearing that great voice."

Atkinson said she is grateful for all the encouragement she’s gotten from Bishop Niederauer.

"Of course, if we were to write down all of his gifts, it would take volumes," she said.