Recovery to Mormonism

Women and the Priesthood

There has always been a question of how women fit into the organization of the Mormon Church. Numerous misconceptions bombard the media and the Internet. This article will attempt to put to rest these misconceptions and will hopefully encourage the reader to research this subject even further.

The oppression of Mormon women, and the tyrannical authority in which Mormon men have, seems to be the number one fallacy among those not associated with the Mormon Church and among those who choose to believe them. There has never been a more erroneous falsehood spread then this!

In the Mormon Church, the main objective is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”1 (‘Man’ does not refer to the male species alone, but to all – men, women and children. Man is used in the scriptures generically, but refers to all mankind.) Meaning, that God’s work entails bringing about the plan of salvation for all. This cannot be done without the priesthood of God. The priesthood of God has been given to man at various times since Adam and only to those who have proven themselves worthy to receive it. Through each individual’s faithfulness, the magnificent blessings of eternal life flow from this priesthood authority.

The Prophet Joseph Smith stated that the priesthood is, “…the eternal authority of God by which the universe was created and governed, and the stars in the heaven came into existence, by which the great authority of exaltation operates throughout the universe.”2 The priesthood is…the power of God delegated to man by which man can act on the earth for the salvation of the human family.

The priesthood of God defines order. It must be conferred by ordination with specific offices. It is held by men under sacred duty to use its authority to accomplish God’s work for the blessing of men, women and children. No one has the power to claim priesthood authority, except those having it conferred openly upon them by those possessing the authority.3 Those who use their priesthood authority are directed by the “keys of the priesthood.” These keys are defined as being: “The exercise of priesthood authority in the Church and governed by those who hold priesthood keys. Those who hold priesthood keys have the right to preside over and direct the Church within a jurisdiction.

Jesus Christ holds all the keys of the priesthood. He has given His Apostles the keys that are necessary for governing His Church. Only the senior Apostle, the President of the Mormon Church, may use (or authorize another person to use) these keys for governing the entire Church.

The President of the Mormon Church delegates priesthood keys to other priesthood leaders so they can preside in their areas of responsibility. Priesthood keys are bestowed on presidents of temples, missions, stakes, and districts; bishops; branch presidents, and quorum presidents. A person who serves in one of these positions holds the keys only until he is released. Counselors do not receive keys, but they do receive authority and responsibility by calling and assignment.”4

Worthy male members, beginning at the age of 12, may receive the priesthood. The Bible states that there are two Priesthoods – Aaronic and Melchizedek.5 These two priesthoods govern the Mormon Church under the direction of Jesus Christ, for He is the foundation.

Each priesthood holder has his own responsibilities in which to exercise his priesthood authority.5 No priesthood holder can exercise his priesthood power over the Church, another family, or individual. If he is the priesthood authority for his own family and home, he has the responsibility to live worthy of the inspiration that can come to him in which to bless his wife and children. Doctrine and Covenants 121:36 reads, “…that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.” In other words, the priesthood holder can only use the priesthood power if he is faithful, and righteous in his own life and with his own family members.

It is the husband’s responsibility to preside and provide leadership in the home. “In the perspective of the gospel, ‘leadership’ does not mean the right to dictate, command, and order. On the contrary, it means to guide, protect, point the way, set the example, make secure, inspire and create a desire to sustain and follow. Literally, the husband is to lead the way.”6 (This writer is not so naïve as to not realize there are some who do not utilize their priesthood powers righteously. The reader must also realize that this is the exception to the rule. There will always be some that fall to the wiles of the adversary and there will always be some that fall victim to them. Whether this happens to members of the Mormon Church or to members of another society or Church, it is still the same.)

Mormon Prophet Spencer W. Kimball stated the following in respect to priesthood covenants: “There is no limit to the power of the priesthood which you hold. The limit comes in you, if you do not live in harmony with the Spirit of the Lord and you limit yourselves in the power you exert…One breaks the priesthood covenant by transgressing commandments – but also by leaving undone his duties. Accordingly, to break this covenant one needs only to do nothing.”7

The women of the Mormon Church since the very beginning have always made a great contribution to the work of God. They are not oppressed, silenced or degraded in any which way. They are listened to by the leaders of the Church, and are respected for their faithfulness and their contributions to culture, refinement, intelligence, and work. They are valued as daughters of God. Prophet Spencer W. Kimball stated, “To be a righteous woman…is an especially noble calling…other institutions in society may falter, and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife.”8

The family unit is essential in God’s plan. The father is the leader of the home and his wife is his companion and partner. In marriage, neither is superior; each has a different and divine responsibility. They work together in strengthening the family and in teaching their children righteous principles.

The greatest blessings of this life come through obeying and honoring the covenants which have been made to Heavenly Father; whether that be through baptism, receiving the priesthood ordinances or the covenant of marriage made in the holy temple. The key to happiness in this life and in the eternity’s lies in keeping the commandments that the Father has taught in the scriptures. Through living those principles, only can peace and joy come to each.