Luthy assumes position in Camden at lifelong church
USC School of Law writing instructor John Luthy has been called upon to serve as a bishop for the Camden congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Prior to being asked to become bishop of what is more commonly known as the Mormon Church, Luthy served for several months on the church’s high council — a panel of congregation members headed by the state president, who acts as a leader over multiple congregations.
As a member of the high council, Luthy played an important role in the inner workings of the church while serving under those in higher positions. However, with his new bishopdom, he will work with his own panel of councilors to make larger congregationwide decisions.
“The transition happens quickly, so I’ve been functioning as the bishop for three weeks now,” Luthy said.
The responsibilities of a bishop range from organizing speakers for upcoming services to managing leaders for youth groups.
According to Luthy, as bishop he will also “play the role of a pastor in terms of counseling marital issues or dealing with youths struggling with the things that youth struggle with.”
Bishops are chosen based on revelation through prayer, which is had by the state president. According to Luthy, once a revelation is had, the top leadership of the church worldwide approves it, and the decision is made.
“We had gone to visit family over the holidays, and when we got back to South Carolina, the state president had called and asked me to bring my wife and meet with him,” Luthy said. “So on a Thursday evening, he asked me if I would be willing to be the next bishop of the Camden ward, and we were pretty happy to accept that.”
One of the aspects of the job Luthy is most looking forward to is the chance to connect with even more people in the congregation than he had during his time on high council.
“We really love the people in our congregation, and the chance to serve them and get to known them at a whole new level has been exciting for me,” he said. “It’s an overwhelming thought to be asked to lead the congregation, but I’ve just been excited to get the chance.”
Having worshiped at the same church for most of his life, attaining this level of leadership is personally significant to Luthy.
“I grew up in this church, and my dad was state president and bishop,” he said. “He was often at the church in the evenings, and that’s what I’ll be doing now, too.”
Though Luthy and his wife were recently looking into moving back to Utah, where their children’s grandparents live, the family took this momentous occasion as a sign to stay in South Carolina.
“We’re happy to serve our church and USC; I love my job here,” Luthy said. “Now we’re just going to stay here, and Grandma and Grandpa will have to come and visit.”