bishopric

Much of its portfolio is controlled by Ensign Peak Advisers, a nonprofit investment manager overseen by ecclesiastical leaders known as its presiding bishopric.

When he was elected in 2006, he reinstated bishoprics and dioceses abolished in medieval times, expanded the Synod to its former size and restored the church’s full decision-making capability.

When asked who attended the meetings, he answered, “Members of the First Presidency and the presiding bishopric,” or the top leaders of the church.

Chilean authorities also launched a wide-ranging investigation and raided multiple bishoprics.

Then the first letter arrived at the Ghent bishopric, demanding 1 million francs, a vast sum at the time, for the panel’s safe return, and threatening to destroy the work if authorities didn’t cooperate.