I feel compelled to speak out to the Ordain Women group who are in the news. This is a time for Relief Society sisters to stand for something and unite our belief, faith, and witness.
Many sisters have come up to me and argued that we should all be Mormon Feminists. And I have continued to attempt to make my point that there is no such thing as a faithful Mormon Feminist. I’m sorry if I’ve struck a chord. As much as the world wants us to believe we live in an ever-graying world, the reality is that everything still remains black and white.
The Ordain Women movement is an attempt to change the doctrine of Jesus Christ. They quote scripture as proof that they have a valid argument. They speak of equality in all things. What are they really saying as active, faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
They may indeed be active members of the LDS Church, but the sad truth is they lack understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ that was set in the councils of heaven.
As I understand it, Heavenly Father gathered all of His children around and explained that He wanted all of us to become like Him. There was only one way to do it. We had to come down to earth and be tested, and of course, receive a body. Our Heavenly Father created a Plan to get us back, but there were two key elements that we needed to be aware of. First, we would have agency. He needed to see us CHOOSE Him, and all that He asked. Second, a Savior would be sent to complete a portion of the requirements we were unable to do for ourselves.
Heavenly Father is our Father and our Leader. His Plan falls under a Patriarchal Order. We do as He says. Does that sound Chauvinistic to anyone? Not when we consider He is a perfect being, loves ALL of His children, and has provided a way for ALL of us to return to His presence.
When Satan wanted to change the Plan (only slightly), it was enough to cause a great war where one-third of the children of God wanted to side with this change. This miscalculation (of getting Heavenly Father to change His already perfect Plan) turned into Eternal Outer Darkness for these children.
I have tried to think how so many fell for Satan’s enticements. I think people like to hear about an easier way, but I also think people just like to be different. Some people even enjoy drama and contention in their lives. (I actually know several people who fall under this category. They are still wonderful, kind, loving people, but drama seems to follow them around.) Why do people insist on being “devil’s advocates” merely to see the other side of things? I have come to realize that some people like to question, because they simply lack faith.
Fast forward to the front lines here on earth. The war continues today. There are basically two schools of thought. (1) The world and all its enticements led by a guy who will do anything to destroy God’s Plan. (2) God’s Plan of goodness and happiness. The LDS Church does not have exclusive rights to the second thought. There are many good people who chose God’s Plan because they have faith, they want true happiness, and they actually like the Plan the way it is.
Faith is a living, breathing, factor in each of our lives. If we don’t feed it and nourish it, it will die. Some people struggle with their faith. Some even fight the feeling. Others learn to hold on to it when there is nothing left to hold on to. Our willingness to obey hard things, and trust in stuff we can’t explain, but we know are true, shows what faith we have.
Another thing I try to explain to people is that the early sisters of the Church were not true Feminists. Yes, they wanted rights that had been denied them, but they never wanted “equality” as others saw it. Our sisters wanted to be able to live their religion without being persecuted for it; namely, to live the law of polygamy. They understood the doctrine of polygamy: That both men and women needed to be sealed to one another in order to reach the highest kingdom of glory. The problem, that has always been, is that typically there are more righteous women than there are men. (That is not a stab toward men; the evidence sits in every one of our wards.) And maybe that’s just timing: war takes a lot of our men, men don’t live as long; it could be a number of reasons.
Back to the Ordain Women group. They sincerely believe what they are doing is right. Well, I guess that’s their prerogative. The problem is they are trying to change a Plan that has been preset, a Plan that was laid out to save them. Sadly, they are acting a little like Satan did in that first council meeting.
Heavenly Father is my leader. I choose Him to follow. I am His daughter and He has given me a role in life to pursue and find happiness in. Occasionally, I see injustices around me made by imperfect people I bump into during my journey. Sometimes I speak up, sometimes I don’t. But mostly, I strive to be as faithful and obedient as possible. I am the one who makes my choices black and white, so I can remain on the right side of the line and not wander astray. I have the promise now, but I know that some day I will indeed become a priestess in the kingdom of God. Does that mean I will be given the priesthood? Not by today’s definition, but by God’s. Am I here to change, reshape, reinvent, and modify at will God’s will? No. I desire my will to be swept up into God’s will that it will all become one will; His will.
Comment:
Rozy says–Very good post, Jan. Thanks for sharing your testimony. I was around when the feminists were trying to get the Equal Right’s Amendment passed in the mid 70′s. Mormon women didn’t want to follow the prophet then either; nor when President Benson asked them to come home and take their place as wives and mothers instead of trying to do it all. I think it comes down to “do I follow the prophet? or my own understanding?” Too many women, unfortunately, have been indoctrinated by the worldly wisdom on men (Satan) and refuse to follow the prophet, who is the watchman on the tower and can see much further than we can.
Just a note on the polygamy; the reason God commands it at some times and not at others seems to be explained in Jacob 2:30 where after telling the people that they were committing whoredoms by having multiple wives and concubines,(justifying themselves because they were doing what David and Solomon did) he says “For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.”
I don’t read about these seemingly apostate groups, because I don’t have time to waste and don’t know that any good would come from it, but what do they want to be able to do that they are not able to do now? Priesthood is a conduit of service not power over others. Women certainly can serve without holding the priesthood. Do they want to give blessings? My mother’s prayers of faith were answered EVERY TIME. She had amazing faith, as if a direct line to heaven. Do they want to “run the show” and tell others what to do? Like that’s what priesthood leaders do. They ought to try being a Relief Society President and see how telling others what to do goes over!
I cannot understand them. And just like the secular feminists of the 60′s and 70′s they are barking up the wrong tree. I do not want to be equal to or the same as a man. I want him to come up to my level!!! Which serving through the priesthood he can be. Men need the civilizing and spiritualizing of the priesthood, learning to work cooperatively rather than competitively; serving and loving others before self. Most women are naturally endowed with those qualities and express them through the Relief Society. I’m sorry if that has not been these sisters experience, but I believe it is the majority of the sisters in the churches’ experience.
Thanks again for sharing your testimony. I wholeheartedly agree that doctrines and decisions to follow them are black and white. God said he cannot look on sin with the least degree of allowance; which sound pretty black and white to me.
Jan says–Thanks, Rozy!
Melhoney says–While I do not personally support OW, I find this post absurd. You go extreme to the right and further polarize the issue. There is a way to disagree in a loving way without bringing in the war in heaven. This is how the Pharisees and Sadducees would have responded. Jesus would have encircled them in love and even if he disagreed, done it in a less condemning way. To infer that they “enjoy drama and contention in their lives” is mean spirited and unchristian like. You can disagree in a more graceful way.I cannot read this blog anymore. I just don’t think this post exemplifies what an “LDS women of God” is.
Jan says–Being the owner of this blog, I have no choice but to stand up for what I believe. There are so many out there who twist truth to justify their own thoughts, we all have to be watchful. I have stated my opinion pretty clearly and I make no apology for it. This group will continue on the path they have chosen, but the way I see it, it is a very dangerous path that has been chosen many times before to a disastrous end.
And I disagree with your statement with how Jesus would handle this. When the “plain and precious” truths were removed from the Bible, Jesus saw fit to give us the JST, and the Book of Mormon et al, just so we would know clearly why He offered His atoning sacrifice and how Satan acts, deceives, and destroys. With this black and white information our choices become clear.
And you are entitled to your own opinion as well.
Susan says–Jan, I loved that you brought in and explained that Heavenly Father’s perfect plan originated in, and was brought forth and accepted by all of us in the preexistence. I think often this very simple and basic concept of life before this one is not talked enough about, nor focused on in gospel discussion. Some of us can’t accept what appears to many a mystery, or something that can’t be explained to one’s complete satisfaction. Because a veil was drawn between this world and that one, we may tend to negate or toss aside its supreme importance in the plan of salvation. What was completely discussed there, what was completely planned and implemented there, how long we lived and resided there, we do not know, and we do not know because it was for a righteous purpose that we will never know ALL the answers. FAITH is that righteous purpose. I just recently learned about a statement made by President Joseph Fielding Smith that essentially said, there is no reason to change the Church, because “the church is perfect and cannot be improved upon.” We make choices every day of our lives, and we have to judge between truth and error on a daily basis as well. In that case, I will take and support the late Prophet’s position every time.
Jan says–Thank you, Susan. Good words to know and depend upon.
Miriam says–I agree with you 100%! I think you’ve done a good job articulating my feelings as well. I am sad the OW group have let themselves become tools in Satan’s hands.
SS says–When President Kimball announced blacks could have the priesthood, he said (emphasis added):
witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, **we have pleaded long and earnestly** in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple **supplicating the Lord for divine guidance**. He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood.
The LDS Bible Dictionary says (emphasis added):
The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others **blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them**. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
Apparently, one requirement for blacks to get the priesthood was long and earnest pleading with the Lord. What if God is willing to grant the blessing of holding the priesthood to women, but is waiting for enough, or the right, people to ask? Women holding the priesthood isn’t without precedent. The Bible had priestesses and prophetesses. Joseph Smith ordained women. Women perform ordinances in today’s temples.
The ultimate answer is, of course, if and when the Lord reveals that women should have the priesthood, then they should. But He may be waiting for us to secure those blessings by asking for them.
Jan says–I see what you are saying. Sometimes we have to bring up the point in order for change to be made. However, I still disagree with your arguments.
First, clearly, Pres. Kimball is saying that the brethren prayed for council; not the membership.
Second, as I said in my post, this is a Patriarchal Order. If you have gone to the temple, you know that there is a set order in place from Heavenly Father to Jesus Christ to Adam to Eve, following the priesthood line of authority.
You might like to read the Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes which can be found athttp://www.josephsmithpapers.org. As you read through them you will see how Joseph Smith enlightens the women to their station according to how God views them (us). We have our responsibilities, just as the men do, but ours are specific to our gifts and talents as women. Joseph clearly states how necessary the women are to fulfill their divine role.
It appears you are requesting that that divine role be modified to also include the role of men. And that is what has everyone in a tizzy, today.
SS says–Do you agree there’s a possibility that some day the Prophet could announce that women could start getting the priesthood? That God revealing that to His prophet would be considered new revelation? Or is that impossible? Will it never, ever happen? (Keeping in mind that Bruce R. McConkie said blacks would never, ever get the priesthood, and then they did, and he said he was wrong).
Jan says–As I said in my post, I believe women already have the priesthood. If they are to be given any more it will be God’s idea of what that entails; it won’t be because we asked. I do believe women can preside, give counsel, and hold offices of presidency. They do today. Women have given blessings in the past and we don’t know why that isn’t available to us today; perhaps that will come some time in the future, maybe not. I don’t believe it is our place to ask for these things.
I have participated in, and received, the same covenants that any priesthood holder has received. They are the same saving ordinances necessary to return back to Heavenly Father. I just don’t know what more there is to ask for.
John says–Jan, you made a great point! “The women of the Church already have the priesthood” … spot on. I do not think the Lord through His prophets will ever ordain women. It’s not the doctrine and it will not change (fundamental doctrines in our church do not and will not change). Elder Oaks spoke about this very thing last General Conference.For those who talk about blacks and the priesthood in the same breath as ordaining women, we need to remember that on LDS.org in talking about the issue it was policy. Policy, yes, but not doctrine. The policies can evolve to fit the needs of a growing church but the core doctrine cannot change. It’s similar to the gay marriage issue. The Lord, through His prophets, will NEVER allow for acceptance of gay marriage and the change of the entire doctrine on the plan of salvation. He will change this. It has been said over and over again by prophets and apostles yet somehow people think that God’s mind will eventually change on the issue. It’s not our doctrine to change, and we cannot. God is unchangeable and thank goodness for that.
Angela says–Can I share something from a friend who posted this on his blog? It says it so much better than I could:
“There are so many people, movements, voices, ideas, websites that claim to know where they are heading. Many have been deceived themselves, and passionately encouraging us to join in their self-deception.
For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24)
It is happening all around us. People we know and see as “elect” saints are being sucked into deception and being led away by self-appointed leaders, and are marching in lockstep – in the wrong direction. It is heartbreaking to see it, and even more heartbreaking that they don’t see it.
When I sit down and engage in General Conference, I listen to my leaders with a desire to learn more. Why? Because I voted to sustain them, and have a spiritual witness that they are who they claim to be. Because of those two things, I am able to accept their teachings with an open heart, and a desire to figure out how to apply the counsel it in my life. If I lack this witness, and a sustaining heart, I will listen with a jaded ear – searching for things I can disagree with, and ways to excuse myself from following their counsel. Instead of agreeing with the principles they teach, I will find fault, murmur and share my discontent.
There are many voices out there who are more than happy to lead us. Thankfully, the voices we can trust will be front-and-center, leading the way next weekend at General Conference.
..and they know where we are going.”
Kristin says–I don’t agree with Ordain Women or believe women need to be ordained to the priesthood, but I very much disagree with the tone of this post. I don’t feel like you’ve really internalized many of the beautiful messages delivered during the General Women’s Meeting if your decision is to come away from that and say, “there is no such thing as a faithful Mormon Feminist.” These women are your sisters, they are trying to reconcile their beliefs and remain in the Church, and their faithfulness is a not a matter for your adjucation.
I’m mostly just commenting on behalf of the early Mormon women you presume to speak–my 4th-great-grandmother Louisa Barnes Pratt has her journal quoted on a plaque on Church-curated trail out of Nauvoo. Her words:
“Last evening the ladies met to organize…Several resolutions were adopted…If the men wish to hold control over the women, let
them be on the alert. We believe in equal rights.”
The Church absolutely preaches equality between men and women, and does not put the word equality in scare quotes.
I believe you’re trying to do the right thing with your post and stand for what you believe in, and I applaud that, but I think you have a way to go in reflecting the love and inclusiveness we hear from our inspired leaders.
Jan says–That’s probably why I’m not a leader.
Some people have thought my post was too strong, others not strong enough. Go figure.
My guess is that a lot of the women who want the priesthood have actually had one too many run-ins with bishops, or men in general. I get that. I have too. But my faith carries me through their imperfections. I feel questioning the gospel is equivalent to questioning faith. We all know the Church isn’t perfect, but the gospel is, and these women appear to be questioning the gospel.
To me the Ordain Women movement is the epitome of a group of people “looking beyond the mark.” The organization divides the women of the church, it does not unify us. It is politicizing the doctrine of Christ. Like if we get enough signatures on a petition then the prophet will cave. It continually reminds me of Martin Harris requesting the 116 pages because he really though he needed them. We all know how well that turned out. I try to be very loving with these women because though some of their testimonies may be firmly intact, others may be fragile. We all should be united for good and important causes, not divided over trivial ones.
It is impossible to be a faithful Mormon and not be a feminist. Mormon doctrine necessitates feminism, because it unfailingly declares that men and women are equal.
Good point. However, because the word is so multi-defined, I prefer to use the all inclusive term: The Relief Society. That’s what I am, Relief Society.
I just reread this article. I think there is one other point we need to focus on. In the gospel of Christ, the end rewards are the same. If a man or woman enters into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, honors their covenants, and endures to the end we all can qualify for eternal life and exaltation. There are no bonus points for holding the priesthood or any certain calling. This reward is available to everyone. So where is the inequality? The fact is, there is no real “glass ceiling” in the gospel of Christ.
I was with ya till you started throwing out assumptions about polygamy. I stand for truth too but I’d have agreed more if you left out all the reasons why you are right and the Ordain Women movement is in the wrong. Honestly, us vs. them arguments are like jumping down a rabbit hole. They turn me off, are always ugly and at the root are contentious no matter how many times one tries to put down another using “loving” platitudes. I stand with the prophet, faithfully serve in my ward, don’t self identify as feminist, and wish there weren’t so many “ites” when it comes to how women in relief society seem themselves and each other. Let’s stand together but not pay any heed to dissenting voices. “We will heed not what the enemy may say but the Lord, the Lord we will obey.” Let’s not forget who the enemy of all of our souls is: Satan. Not each other. Let’s hold on to good and truth and kindness and see the battle with more clarity for what it is, is my prayer.
What the Ordain Women members do not understand is that we have a way in the church for us to address concerns. It is not done through picketing, or lobbying. That is the political way to do things, not the religious way. Everything that is done in the church is done through proper Priesthood channels, and through prayer and revelation. These women were given a chance to voice their feelings, and were given an answer. But they choose not to accept the answer. I’m reminded of this scripture in Isaiah 7:13 “And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?”
Even if these women feel they have a good scriptural argument for why they should receive the Priesthood, they must remember that God’s answer would be, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8-9 We can’t be like those who think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. The blessings on our “side” are already great. The Relief Society, and the callings we are given as women, are already great and wonderful. Those who think that because we don’t have the Priesthood then we are not equal, do not understand the privileges already given to us. We may not hold the Priesthood, but no blessing of the Priesthood has been denied to us. It is a power that is given to men, not for them to enjoy alone, but in order that they can serve others. A man cannot bless himself. Holding the Priesthood does not profit him anything in and of itself. It is only a power in him as he uses it to bless others. And those blessings are denied to no faithful member of the church.
I think that feminism is a creative trap that Satan has made that drags us in to intellectual bondage by making us think that we know better than the Prophet, or that we are not good e nough without the Priesthood. It is tempting to think that we are intellectually superior to the rest of the church that just hasn’t risen to our level of understanding. It is tempting to think that we have received revelation that the prophet hasn’t yet received. That is the tantalyzing lure of the Ordain Women platform. But they do not understand that even though do not hold the Priesthood, men and women are equal in the sight of God. In fact, men cannot gain exaltation without women, just as women cannot gain it without men. We are equal, although our duties and roles are different.
I further feel that lobbying and coming to church wearing pants to make a statement are political moves. We often hear people say we shouldn’t mix church and state, but those same people would like to bring their politics to church. I’m sure there are other groups who would like to make similar protests during our meetings. I would hope that they, as well as the Ordain Women group, would consider how it disrupts the reverence and peace of those who are there to merely worship. Maybe they think that their motives are worthy of the disruption. But as one who goes to church to worship, and not lobby, I would ask you to please, in the future, respect our peacful worship.
What good can come from comparing OW to satan? If you are worried about the RS being divided, this type of post is what should be avoided. Understanding each other’s diverse opinions and experiences is central to the purpose of RS. I deeply disagree with many of your sentiments expressed here, but I would not even venture to compare you to satan or be so disrespectful. Why? Because your experience matters regardless if they are not my own or I don’t agree with your conclusions. Let’s extend that courtesy to everyone.
If you ever why why people think Mormons are hateful bigoted un-Christian cult followers. Look no further than your words and the people who think like you.
If you ever wonder why people think Mormons (women especially) are oppressed and obey blindly which is different that faithfulness with exactness, look no further than your words and people who think like you.
If you ever wonder why people don’t feel welcomed at Church or leave the Church, look no further than your words and people who think like you, for very few people leave because of their sins, but because of others sins. (it is a sin not to love others as God commanded us to)
If you ever wonder why Mormon feminists exist look no further than your words or people who think like you.
I am a Mormon Feminist. I don’t support female ordination. But there are still things that could change in the Church by matter of policy that would not have to change doctrines. Infact I would say there are many policies that conflict with doctrines. There is nothing wrong with desiring those changes.
Instead of being an arrogant person, try being more Christlike and listen to what others are saying when they feel unequal and why, for those reasons are much bigger and far reaching than female ordination ever will be. Which BTW isn’t that contradictory to our doctrines for women to be ordained, females are ordained in the temple to receive the power of the priesthood in the eternities as part of exaltation. That is what the Temple ordinances are. Women just don’t have the keys for it while on earth. Sounds like are the one who doesn’t understand the doctrine of the plan. The Ordain Women just miss the mark of the timing.
As I said in my post, I have felt the attack of angry feminists trying to defend their point of view. This, being my blog, is my defense back. And let me make clear, the feminists I have encountered are so argumentative I can’t get a word in edgewise, so I resort to the written word. Nevertheless, I must stand up and speak out. Attacking me on my tone, wording, and whether I’m courteous enough is just another way of avoiding the real issue at hand, which is obedience verses subjugation.
Satan wasn’t Satan during that council meeting. He was merely a typical son with a strong opinion. All situations are tests unto the Lord. He is watching how we react to everything. He is sometimes slow-to-save on purpose, just to see what we’ll do. He wants us to suffer, or be uncomfortable, to see if we’ll turn to Him. He told us from the very beginning we would have to prove ourselves. The pressure is on us to perform well.
If there is divisiveness in our ranks it may be because we aren’t looking at ourselves hard enough. The Sunday School lessons we are studying right now are showing us how the Israelites were weak, impatient, and ready to complain at the smallest issue. They lacked faith every step to the Promised Land. Their complaining would have driven a lesser man than Moses out of his mind. These people had seen enough miracles in their life to recognize that God would take care of them and they would have no need to worry about anything. Yet, they still thought they knew better.
What of us?
Is the prophet being slow-to-save on purpose? Does he watch us suffer and be uncomfortable? Do we need to prove ourselves to him? Yes, yes, and yes. We are the ones being tested. Murmuring, taking matters into our own hands, and having “issues” with the Church will get us nowhere for 40 years.
If we want to stop divisiveness, we need to look inward. It is safer to be on the prophet’s side. When the Lord comes, we’re going to want to be ready to hear His words, because as sure as I’m making my stand, his words will be one more test we will have to prove to Him, and it will be a personal test at our weakest point.
What exactly has *the prophet* said about ordaining women? By *prophet* I mean President of the LDS Church. He is the only one who has the keys to make a change for the entire church. I think the members of OW are being mischaracterized. I do not see them as demanding or power-seeking. I see them as faithful members who are asking for clarity on whether the patriarchal organization is doctrine or just tradition. The Church was restored at a time when society was patriarchal. Maybe God wants women to have the priesthood. I hope The First Presidency and The Quorum of the Twelve are praying and seeking to know what God wants. That’s all that matters. I think that OW asking to attend The Priesthood Session of General Conference was unorthodox, but not sinful. It actually shows that they have faith that answers to their questions can only come from God through The President of The Church.
When the OW group made their request and were answered with–please don’t come to the doors during the Priesthood meeting–and they came anyway, that’s pretty demanding. There is a right way to petition for change and it is through the bishop, stake president, and up the ladder that way. Not straight to the top, or the newspapers. Answers for Church-wide issues will come down the same ladder.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth. It is not a democracy, not a republic, not an oligarchy, not a dictatorship, not any form of government except a kingdom. It operates from the top down. The Lord speaks, and his servants obey. The elders go forth, and the people are taught.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Only an Elder, Ensign, June 1975)
I admire your willingness to stand up. I do not support Ordain Women, but I would consider myself progressive in my thinking with Womens issue’s. They way I see things, the Church is NOT a patriarchal order. Its an even playing field all the way around. What Ordain Women see as inequality is not happening- they are being deceived, I also believe you are being deceived as well. I have a degrees in both history and religious studies, and i can tell you that there is not an earthly definition or box for what the structure of the church is. It can only be understood through the spirit. It is truly an act of Faith to be a member. So I just continue to Love, to trust Him, to study and to follow. And to speak up -we are a church of revelation- that is how this is to be understood.
Although I didn’t join the Ordain Women movement, I am close to many of the women. They are thoughtful, faithful, careful women who would never compare those who disagree with them to Satan. The LDS Church has a evolved on many issues throughout it’s history. My own Grandmother who would be 110 this year frequently gave her children blessings of comfort and healing. My grandfather served as the stake president. In her time many women did this with the approval of the church. My mother worked outside the home and inside the home despite President Benson’s famous plea for women to go home. My family was blessed. Not with riches, but medical care, piano lessons, and occasional camping trips. She raised independent children who could care for themselves. Yet, she was never allowed to give any of us blessings like her mother gave her. There is not equality in the church when women’s voices and revelation to women are not respected and sought after on every level of the organization. Every decision in the church should include a council of women and men who then seek the Lord’s will. So much could be done to make all women and men feel like they are vital parts of the body of Christ. Name calling on either side simply divides us. What makes our religion so powerful is the idea that every child of God is entitled to personal revelation. What would have happened if African Americans had not agitated for years to end the racial policies concerning the priesthood. If women had not petitioned for Activity Days and equal budgets for Young Men and Young Women those programs would be even more unequal than they currently are. Without the brave voices of parents and families of LGBT children would the church have the Gays and Mormon website, or would we stick with the supposed “doctrine” that homosexual feelings are a sin. We should all work toward perfection in ourselves and in our church organization. Please let’s love one another.
I agree that we need to love one another, however, as we heard in conference, Jesus never condoned sin–not even once. Some of what you say isn’t quite accurate. I believe we need to leave it in the Lord’s hands who sees the big picture.
I am LDS, and I have had friends from other religions say to me that they think it is ridiculous for OW to try to change the church to fit their beliefs. Also I have heard the comment many times that if they are not happy with the organization of the LDS church and the fact that women can’t hold the priesthood as well as serve in callings only men can, then maybe they should look for a church that suits their needs better. As much as I love all the sisters in the church, I feel that these sisters are causing contention and going against the counsel of the first presidency instead of supporting and sustaining them. Also I can think of all sorts of problems if men and women were to serve together in bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, ect. Why can’t they just trust, support, and believe in their leaders?
I commend you on allowing a civilized conversation to continue on your blog! I consider the websites that allow only one viewpoint to be so divisive! I think the more questions we ask, the closer we get to the truth.
Maybe we should let women hold the priesthood and men have babies. Then we would all be equal. 🙂 Jan you are spot on in your comments. I think it interesting that some attack you for stating your beliefs, but have no qualms about stating theirs. The doctrine of the church is true. If we follow the prophet, we cannot fail. Thanks for standing up for your beliefs.
If we are TRULY converted, we will follow the prophet. I am grateful for the great prophets of this dispensation, and especially for President Thomas S. Monson. He is without a doubt, the right prophet for this time. This is the last days and we are in the great sifting. Many will be deceived. Let us pray for strength for all members of the church to be obedient and follow God’s plan.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
I still stand by my statement about Mormon Feminists, even though that seems to have gotten me the most flack. It just seems to me with the various definitions flying around, why would you call yourself by that dangerously generic label? Technically, I guess I’m a feminist too, because I too feel women should be given every opportunity and right, but I refuse to give myself that label. I prefer Woman of God, Woman of Covenant, sister in the Relief Society, Mormon woman, anything but Feminist.