The argument about women and the priesthood has been going on for a long time. But the glorifying answers have been around for just as long a time, even longer.

The truth has always been given to us. An article written by Leah Widtsoe in 1933 clarifies brilliantly.

Leah Dunford Widtsoe was the wife of John A. Widtsoe, who served as an apostle and member of the First Presidency. Leah’s parents were Susa Young Gates and her first husband, Alma Dunford. You can read more details about Susa’s life here.

As an adult, Leah worked very closely with her mother. Together, they were experts in home economics. They both attended Harvard. And they both had an interest in understanding how women work with the priesthood. In fact, they wrote books on the topic. These books are available at the Church History Library.

We are familiar with Susa’s strong personality and how she could “out-leader” anyone. But her observant grandchildren were quick to say, “Her husband held the priesthood; he was her lord and master. His word was law. She always asked him before she did anything, and he always approved.”

This 2-part article, written by Leah, for the Oct & Nov 1933 issues of the Relief Society Magazine, raises every conceivable question why women of our church can’t hold the priesthood and answers each one. An answer that still grates on some women is that motherhood is the equal match to the priesthood.

The world we live in teaches that motherhood is a second-rate occupation. Career comes first and motherhood may or may not ever be experienced. Women of today don’t recognize the importance of the role of motherhood.

We know better though, don’t we? Where would we be without our mothers? How would great men and women ever be born on this earth? Where would we learn tenderness, love, and gentleness? From men? Certainly not. No offense. Men are more about honor and competition. Is that stereotypical? So be it. It tends to be true.

Arguments about women not having the priesthood have nothing to do with ability, intelligence, and capability. It is simply accepting what our Heavenly Father has bestowed on each of His children: one to preside, the other to raise. Even though both are interchangeable with one another, each assignment is meant to bring order in His kingdom.

Leah’s final statement, in her article, reflects what women should be most concerned about:

“The womanhood of modern Israel have a joyous responsibility. They must never lose sight of their greatest privilege—to be the mothers and companions, hence the inspiration, of righteous men who hold the Holy Priesthood. They must ever hold to the ideal of the Mother of the Gracchi**: while scorning the wiles and temptations of the world they must gather round their own or potential children with the joyous thought “These are my jewels!” When woman understands her full and complete power for building righteousness on earth she will sense that the gift of motherhood direct or vicarious is the greatest of all gifts and will be forced to exclaim “My cup is full; I cannot ask for more!” 

Susa and Leah have also talked directly about how men and women are given equal promises and covenants in the temple making each a vital part of salvation in the world to come. Leah writes:

“Exaltation is impossible for man alone. The full understanding of this privilege should sober every woman in this church and cause her to pause when any temptation to worldliness or weakness comes her way. … Indeed, hers is the gift supreme: to be the mother and guide of priests and men of God!”

For me, the role of women centers around this scripture where God tells Satan,

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; and he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Moses 4:21).

We understand this to mean that Satan may cause damage to all the children of the earth, even inspiring the crucifixion of Christ, but in the end, Jesus Christ will crush Satan and all his wickedness. But, you see, this is where the power of the woman shines. It is God’s righteous seed, those who are taught by their mothers about Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Redeemer of all mankind, who will rise up and overcome Satan. Mothers have the most important job in the world: to teach about our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Painting: Mother’s Love by Ramya Sadasivam

**Mother of the Gracchi refers to Cornelia, the mother of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, known as the Gracchi Brothers, who defied political Rome by reforming laws in order to provide land to the poor. Cornelia was memorialized as a loving mother who never adorned her clothing, saying instead, “[My children] are my jewels!”