In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, how does Miss Maudie explain Atticus' role in the community?

The morning following the trial, Miss Maudie invites the children over to her house for some cake. She tells Jem not to fret because she can sense that Jem is still upset at Tom Robinson's conviction. Miss Maudie goes on to tell Jem that some men in this world have difficult jobs and that Atticus Finch happens to be one of them. Miss Maudie explains to Jem that he's not old enough to appreciate it yet, but his father occupies a very important role in the community. She says that the people of Maycomb are rarely called upon to be Christians, and when they are, they've got men like Atticus to uphold those Christian values. Miss Maudie is essentially telling Jem that Atticus is the moral figurehead of the Maycomb community. Atticus represents pure Christian values and is the "go-to-man" when those values are challenged. When the community is forced to confront their prejudice beliefs and refuses to do so, Atticus is the man who stands up and represents equality, justice, and love in the face of the majority. Atticus is not swayed by popular opinion, as most men are in Maycomb. Atticus' job is difficult because when all others disagree and choose tradition over true Christian values, he stands firm and defends the moral choice.