Michael Otterson, managing director of the Public Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared details about his life, the work of the department and the work of the church's leaders in an address at the FairMormon Conference Friday.
Otterson began by recounting his background as a convert to the LDS Church in England at the age of 19 and being told the following in his patriarchal blessing: “You will be given opportunities to defend the gospel.”
During his 40-plus years with the department, Otterson has worked closely with the church's leaders.
"Public Affairs does not have its own agenda, independent from the (general authorities)," Otterson said. "I work on a daily basis with the member of the Twelve (who is chairman of the Public Affairs Committee) and the executive director."
Otterson also commented on the demanding schedules of the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
"This is not a schedule you would wish on anyone," Otterson said. "Yet they bear it with grace and find joy for some overwhelmingly important reasons — their testimony and commitment to be a witness of the Savior of the world and their desire to strengthen his children everywhere."
Read the full transcript of Otterson's address at mormonnewsroom.org.