LDS Public Affairs Czar Michael Otterson Releases Five-Page Letter Identifying Context Missing From Discussions Of Mormon Women's Issues

On May 29th, 2014, LDS Public Affairs Managing Director Michael Otterson sent a five-page letter to several prominent LDS blogs to offer context specifically to online discussions about women in the church. Mainstream media outlets quickly picked up the story and weighed in. One interesting variation in mainstream media coverage; while the Salt Lake Tribune reported that By Common Consent had published the letter, KSL Channel 5 noted that the letter was published in its entirety on Millennial Star.

-- PDF copy of Elder Otterson's letter

The variety of comments published on various blogs about Mormon women's issues during recent months prompted Elder Otterson to provide an insider's perspective on context he believes has been missing from these discussions. Specifically, Elder Otterson addressed three points:

Criticism 1: The Church doesn’t want to hear from women about painful experiences, doesn’t talk to them or only wants to hear from women who are blindly obedient. Elder Otterson says this is patently untrue, and that the senior leadership is actively engaged, meeting with rank-and-file members as they travel worldwide. He freely acknowledged that since we are all human, we occasionally say things clumsily or lack sufficient sensitivity or language skills or experience.

Criticism 2: There is nowhere for women who don’t feel safe in their wards to have a conversation about some of their negative experiences that isn’t seen as subversive. Elder Otterson acknowledges that this is a serious question and believes the Brethren welcome this type of discussion as they seek to understand the concerns of the members. He also advised women that matters of personal concern, as long as they are not "worthiness" issues, can be voiced privately to faithful Relief Society Presidency members and other local leaders, who in turn could not only offer counsel, but could be invited to accompany a sister to see a bishop or a stake president in some circumstances. There are some exceptional circumstances in which a sister might feel awkward about discussing a personal concern one-on-one with a male bishop or stake president without another female present.

Criticism 3: By not engaging with the more extreme groups, the Church –- and Public Affairs in particular -- is not acting as Christ would. Elder Otterson addresses two separate issues here:

-- First, in response to doubters and skeptics who think LDS Public Affairs goes off the reservation at times, he clearly states that Public Affairs does not "freelance", noting that for Public Affairs to initiate or take a position inconsistent with the views of those who preside over the Church is simply unthinkable. He explains that as managing director of Public Affairs, he works under the direct supervision of two members of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles, two members of the Presidency of the Seventy, and the Presiding Bishop.

-- Second, he responded to criticism by some progressive Mormons and Mormon feminists who were upset because LDS Church public affairs representatives recently conducted a 90-minute video conference with leaders of Mormon Women Stand, an online group supporting the church’s priesthood stance, while rejecting similar talks with Ordain Women, the grass-roots organization pushing for female ordination. Elder Otterson effectively addressed this issue without mentioning either group by name, stating "there are a few people with whom Public Affairs and general authorities do not engage, such as individuals or groups who make nonnegotiable demands for doctrinal changes that the church can’t possibly accept. No matter what the intent, such demands come across as divisive and suggestive of apostasy rather than encouraging conversation through love and inclusion". Ordain Women have repeatedly stated they will be satisfied with only one outcome -- women's ordination, so the LDS Church would be foolish to parley with those whose minds are made up in advance.

Besides, how do you talk to someone like Gina Colvin who says "It is a given that women aren’t equal to men in the Church -- and any argument that brawls with this fact is a nonsense."? She's shut down dialog before it can even begin. Elder Otterson decries this lack of civility:

Occasionally, as we have seen in recent weeks on some feminist blogs, those who are spokespeople for the Church and therefore are required to put their names out in the public square find themselves in the crosshairs of critics. Sometimes those critics are highly cynical and make things personal. In recent weeks, I have seen some of our staff ridiculed by some feminist commentators, called disingenuous or, worse, accused of lying.

Our people are professionals and they have borne this with charity, good grace and without the slightest complaint. I don’t believe for a minute that these strident voices represent a significant proportion of LDS women, or even of those Church members who describe themselves as feminists.

Reaction: Some of the more prominent sources have posted their responses (after the jump):

LDS Church Asks Ordain Women Feminists Not To Crash The Priesthood Session Of The April 2014 General Conference

The 184th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at hand. It will kick off on Saturday March 29th, 2014 at 6:00 P.M. MDT with the General Women's Meeting, which this year is a combined meeting for all females eight years of age and older, and will culminate with the customary general sessions and priesthood session during the weekend of April 5-6. There are persistent rumors that the Church may announce a modification of the temple wedding policy during this Conference; to wit, that the one year waiting period between a civil marriage and a temple marriage may be eliminated in North America.

Unfortunately, the feminist activists of Ordain Women want to upstage the Conference with their selfish agenda once again. They propose to line up before the all-male Priesthood Session on Saturday April 5th and demand tickets to enter the session. They will begin with opening exercises at City Creek Park at 4:00 P.M., then form up in the standby line outside the Conference Center at 4:30 P.M. to ask for admission tickets. Then, regardless of the outcome, they will reconstitute at City Creek Park. Over 100 of them did this in October 2013 even though LDS authorities told them in advance that they would not be admitted to the Priesthood Session. To their credit, the Ordain Women organizers intend to rigorously police the conduct of activists; they will not permit their people to display signs, vent any anti-Mormon tirades, and they ask activists to dress in Sunday best. The official Ordain Women spokespersons are identified as Kate Kelly, April Young Bennett, Debra Jenson, Suzette Smith, Chelsea Shields Strayer, Hannah Wheelwright, and Lorie Winder.

The LDS Church has fired back. According to the Deseret News, LDS spokeswoman Jessica Moody sent a letter to Ordain Women accusing them of intractability and saying that their activities detract from the helpful discussions that Church leaders have held as they seek to listen to the thoughts, concerns, and hopes of women inside and outside of Church leadership. Moody reminded the group that ordination of women to the priesthood is a matter of doctrine that is currently contrary to the Lord’s revealed organization for His church, and suggested that if they really felt like they needed to make a public statement, they should reconsider their current plans to demonstrate and instead assemble at one of the free-speech zones outside Temple Square. The full letter is published at the end of this post, after the jump.

Kate Kelly quickly responded. She tried to put a positive spin on the Church's letter by characterizing it as a sign that the Church is willing to continue the dialogue. But she rejected the notion of diverting her group to the free speech zones, saying "We feel as faithful, active Mormon women we have nothing in common with people who oppose the church and want to protest against it. The church is its members. We aren't against the church, we are the church." Kelly takes umbrage at the thought of being linked with the customary anti-Mormon protestors in the free speech zones, saying that they're out to destroy the Church, and Ordain Women does not share that goal.

Prognosis: By their response, the LDS Church clearly indicates they would rather not subject these women to disciplinary councils. By suggesting the free speech zones as an alternative, the Church clearly respects Ordain Women's First Amendment rights to advocate for their cause. However, if Ordain Women chooses to line up for tickets, they are doing so against specific counsel; their actions can be interpreted as being in open rebellion against the Church, and they will jeopardize their membership. There is no way the Church could let it go, particularly after excommunicating Denver Snuffer and Brent D. Larsen under more sketchier pretexts. It is interesting that the Ordain Women activists want to stubbornly impose their minority opinion upon a 15-million member church rather than consider transferring to another church which confers priesthood upon women, such as the Community of Christ.

Unofficial LDS Reaction: Lining up in support of Ordain Women is Feminist Mormon Housewives and Approaching Justice. April Young Bennett posted additional support on The Exponent.

In support of the Church's position is Millennial Star, where Geoff B. notes that while the Ordain Women movement has garnered a total of 2,076 “likes” on its Facebook page, a counter-movement started last week called “Mormon Women Stand” already has 2840 “likes” with hundreds being added every day. A brief but eloquent statement of support for the Church's position is also posted on Rains Came Down. Public comments to media outlets such as KSL Channel 5 are mostly supportive of the Church.

LDS Church Combines General Young Women Meeting And General Relief Society Meeting Into A Single Session

On November 4th, 2013, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the General Young Women Meeting held during the April General Conferences and the General Relief Society Meeting held during the October General Conferences will no longer be separate. They will be combined into a "general women's meeting", as it was from 1984-1993. The meeting will still take place on the Saturday one week before General Conference. From the LDS website:

"The general women’s meeting will be held the Saturday before each general conference and will be conducted by the general presidencies of the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations. All women, young women, and girls age eight years old and older will be invited to attend".

This is a positive step because it now places the women's meetings on more of a similar plane with the General Priesthood Meeting, which has been open to all males of Priesthood age. What will be interesting is to find out which auxiliary presidency will conduct the combined women's meeting. Will it be the Relief Society Presidency, the Young Women Presidency, or the Primary Presidency? My guess is the Relief Society Presidency would take precedence.

Another positive step the Church could consider would be to bring the new women's meeting directly into the General Conference weekend itself. The best time would be on Saturday afternoon. Of course, this would supersede the Saturday Afternoon General Session of the conference, but we already have three other general sessions, so nothing of substance would be lost. The idea is for the women's meeting to be treated as the direct female equivalent of the men's meeting on Saturday evening. While men and women aren't identical, they should be treated as equally as LDS doctrine permits.

Unofficial LDS Reaction: Posted on Millennial Star and Mormon Momma; there's also an open discussion thread on the feminist-oriented Segullah blog. Most commenters are supportive of the idea, although a significant number question including girls as young as eight years old (the earliest age for baptism). Some suggest the age limit should be 12, just as it is for the General Priesthood Meeting. Ordain Women organizer Kate Kelly also reacted, writing on Facebook, "I see this as a really positive sign that our leaders are hearing our pleas and our prayers are being answered. While this meeting does nothing to address the question of the priesthood and all clerical, fiscal, ritual and other decision-making authority in the church, I see it as an attempt to acknowledge women and men are currently treated unequally in the church..."

Is Ordain Women Organizer Kate Kelly Guilty Of Apostasy? Feminism Becoming Incompatible With Mormonism

The actions by Ordain Women during the 183rd Semiannual General Conference continue to generate considerable backlash from believing Mormons. And one woman pulls no punches about her attitude. Jenny Hatch, the editor of The Natural Family Blog, lets 'em have it right between the eyes. She reproves with major-league "sharpness".

Most impressively, Jenny Hatch is wise to the true agenda of the Mormon feminist movement:

I believe this group of activist women are an organized cabal of professionally trained leftist agitators who have been tasked with doing a well publicized stunt in order to be excommunicated so they can then then whine to the media for the next twenty years about how evil and patriarchal the church is, having put their Feminist beliefs on the line and paid the seemingly ultimate sacrifice. I just wonder how much money they have been paid to do it…

I have quietly observed Joanna Brooks well timed book rollout, her many blog posts, media appearances, book tours, and I even attended her lecture on the campus of SUU [Southern Utah University] last fall. She is a statist progressive who has no clear understanding of the basic doctrines of the church.

She is someone who believes her agenda of ordaining women to the Priesthood will “shape” the future of the Faith I love.

And I am here to tell you, “No, it will not”.

In her post today [October 7th] she made it clear they are just getting started as a group.

She hits the nail on the head; the fact that Kate Kelly is a "human rights lawyer" from Washington DC is no coincidence. Feminism is divisive, corrosive, inherently anti-male, blaming men for all the sins of the universe, past, present, and future. In fact, one non-Mormon preacher, John Hagee, once suggested that feminism could be considered witchcraft, defining witchcraft as the unrighteous control over someone through manipulation or intimidation for the purposes of domination (scroll down to Hagee on Feminism). Feminism actually cultivates and enshrines female victimhood by encouraging vulnerable women to blame men and patriarchy for their problems instead of taking their share of responsibility for problem-solving. And although some "sensitive" men may go into "Uncle Tim" mode and identify with feminists as a reflection of Stockholm Syndrome, most men and are put off by feminism because they want to remain men and don't think they should have to walk on eggshells in their own homes or in church.

However, it might be a mistake to condemn all 150 of the activists who showed up at Temple Square on October 5th as apostates. Not all are equally culpable; many have been misled and have become deluded. It is only the leadership of this group that could really be considered as "sinning against the light". On The Millennial Star, LDS Philosopher articulates a good distinction between heresy and apostasy. He suggests that while heresy is limited to thought alone, apostasy takes place when the "heretic" promotes that heresy publicly. To wit:

In short, if you have a different opinion, if you disbelieve certain core Church teachings, you are fully welcome to worship with us. It’s ok to have questions and doubts. That doesn’t make you a bad Mormon. We want you with us. But when you start to publish opinions that directly contradict the established teachings of the Church, and earnestly try to persuade others to believe such an opinion, you are engaging in apostasy. For example, if you believe that same-sex activity is not sinful, you might be a heretic, and that’s ok. We can accept you. We will try and teach you, but we will embrace you with open arms and fellowship nonetheless. If you publish a book about it, or write a blog post about it, in which you try to convince others that the established teachings of the Apostles on sexuality are wrong and misguided, you are not longer just a heretic — you are an apostate.

According to the 2010 Church Handbook of Instructions Volume 1 (not officially available online), it is not heresy that's actionable, but apostasy. According to paragraph 6.7.3, apostasy is one of the transgressions mandating a disciplinary council. Here's how the Church defines it:

Apostasy. As used here, apostasy is used to refer to members who:

(1). Repeatedly act in clear, open, and deliberate public opposition to the Church and its leaders.

(2). Persist in teaching as Church doctrine information that is not Church doctrine after they have been corrected by their bishop or a higher authority.

(3). Continue to follow the teachings of apostate sects (such as those that advocate plural marriage) after they have been corrected by their bishop or a higher authority.

(4). Formally join another church and advocate its teachings.

Unlike other transgressions like murder, rape, and incest, which mandate excommunication as the only outcome, the CHI does not mandate excommunication as the only outcome for an apostasy trial. Thus a stake court may consider the full range of actions from formal probation, disfellowshipment, or excommunication.

While Kate Kelly is certainly not guilty of items (2), (3), and (4), she comes close to the line on Item 1. Even after she was told in advance by the Church that women would not be admitted to the Priesthood Session, she and her cohorts chose to go to Temple Square and seek admission. This is more than just apostasy; this constitutes open rebellion against the Church leadership, and even if there's no track record of Kate Kelly doing this "repeatedly", it certainly warrants a response by her local Church leadership in Washington DC. At the very least, her bishop and/or stake president should call her in and ask her to explain her actions. In fact, some of the Ordain Women activists have already been called in by their bishops to explain their participation, although Kelly herself claims her local leadership has been supportive. Whether it would escalate into a full-blown disciplinary council would depend upon her response. If Kate Kelly's act of open rebellion goes unexamined, this could encourage more rebellion. Denver Snuffer's so-called "apostasy" pales by comparison.

Feminism is growing more and more incompatible with Mormonism with each passing day.

LDS Church Stands Strong Against Radical Feminists; Backlash Erupts Against Ordain Women's Plan To Crash The Priesthood Session Of The LDS General Conference

The plan by Ordain Women to crash the Saturday evening Priesthood session of the 183rd Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has bumped up against a big STOP sign by the Church itself and a growing manifestation of backlash by rank-and-file Church members. The LDS Church plans to stand strong and refuse admittance to these radical feminists. Here's the full statement released on September 24th by the LDS Church:

"It is the hope of the Church that the Priesthood session will strengthen the men and young men including fathers and sons, and give them the opportunity to gather and receive instruction related to priesthood duties and responsibilities, much the same way parallel meetings are held for sisters, such as the general Relief Society meeting. It's for these reasons that tickets for the Priesthood session are reserved for men and young men and we are unable to honor your request for tickets or admission".

Good response. Just as the women have the right to their own meeting, so we men likewise have an equal right to our own meeting. Diversity and equality do not require that everything be equally kaleidoscopic. The fact that the First Presidency shows up at both the General Relief Society Meeting and the General Young Women Meeting doesn't make these meetings any less of "women's meetings"; the First Presidency is merely exercising their obligation to preside over the Church when they show up at the women's meetings. The women's meetings are actually conducted by the respective women's presidencies themselves.

However, the LDS Church did try to address Ordain Women's concerns part way by also announcing that for the first time, the Priesthood Session will be broadcast live on television and online on BYUtv, as well as on LDS.org and the Mormon Channel. However, the announcement may have come too late for cable companies to pick up the additional broadcast; check Bonneville.info to see if your cable company has added the Priesthood broadcast. In the past, the Priesthood session was only broadcast live from the Conference Center in Downtown Salt Lake via satellite to LDS stake centers and the Tabernacle on Temple Square, although the session eventually appeared on Conference archives and transcripts of talks published in the Ensign magazine. Mormon Momma believes the two announcements are related, and they could be right.

In response, representatives of Ordain Women said they still plan to wait in the standby line at the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City for tickets to the session. One of the lead organizers, Kate Kelly, who is also a so-called "international rights lawyer" from Washington DC, sees this as a continuation of them asking, seeking and knocking, and demonstrating their willingness to receive the priesthood and to accept the responsibilities that come with it.

Feminist Mormon Women Plan To Crash The LDS General Conference Priesthood Session For Political Reasons; Where Are The Disciplinary Councils Now?

According to a post on Feminist Mormon Housewives, the group Ordain Women plan to crash the Priesthood Session of the upcoming 183rd Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They do plan to be dignified about it, however. On Saturday, October 5th, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. MDT, they plan to meet at City Creek Park and walk over the the Conference Center together. The women and their so-called "male allies" will form up in the standby line in order to gain admittance to the Priesthood Session. If they are admitted, they will celebrate this "historical achievement" by attending the Priesthood Session together. Afterwards, they will reconstitute at City Creek Park to speak to the public about the outcome. At this meeting, Ordain Women will also make a public statement continuing their unequivocal call for complete equality and the ordination of Mormon women. The possibility of a full-blown media circus exists. How many will show up? As of this post, 126 people have posted their intent to participate on the Ordain Women Facebook Page, with another 67 saying Maybe.

Despite their protestations to the contrary, these people are not doing this because of an honest desire to serve the Lord. Their real motivation is obvious -- to turn Priesthood ordination into a political football, sow hate and dissension within LDS ranks, and inflict damage upon the Church. On FMH, Rah writes "I predict that the conversation will be hard, messy and in some sad cases pit mother against daughter, wife against husband, friend against friend." This is NOT the way our Savior works; this is the way of Satan. Unfortunately, Ordain Women is also leading astray some fundamentally honest but frustrated women who have been persuaded that ordination of women could "double the power of God in one day". Notice there is no corresponding group of men planning to crash the General Relief Society Meeting to be held on Saturday September 28th. The LDS Church needs to politely but assertively lay the smack down on these women and refuse them entrance.

If Ordain Women does indeed try to carry this out, the leaders of this group also need to be hauled before disciplinary councils and tried for their Church membership. If Denver Snuffer, who has consistently expressed love and loyalty towards the Church and the Gospel, was worthy of excommunication, then excommunication of these insurgents is FAR MORE JUSTIFIED. A commenter on Pure Mormonism noted the double standard between the treatment meted out to Denver Snuffer and that accorded to dissident Mormon feminists.

LDS Church Continues Counteroffensive Against Radical Feminism; Elder M. Russell Ballard Speaks At BYU Devotional

Conscious of the fact that radical feminism has gained a foothold among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church launched a counteroffensive against radical feminism which actually began during the April 2013 General Conference. And on August 20th, 2013, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve served as the Church's latest point man when he delivered an address at a devotional attended predominantly by females at BYU-Provo. The occasion was this year’s BYU Campus Education Week. The transcript of speech will eventually be archived HERE, and the video is available HERE beginning at the 21-minute point.

Taylor Street does a fine job summarizing Elder Ballard's speech on The Digital Universe. Elder Ballard's objective was to confront the false preconceived notions of women’s roles within the Church often voiced by journalists and non-Mormons. Most importantly. Elder Ballard expressed five key points to provide a proper perspective about the roles of women in the Church:

(1). Our Heavenly Father created both man and woman, and that gender is eternal. Of course, this statement will be difficult for those with gender identity disorders to digest, but the bottom line is your sexual identity is signified by your genitalia. Gender identity disorders could simply be another of those challenges some chose to accept prior to mortality, which is why the Church launched a campaign to remind members to behave in a more Christ-like and inclusive fashion towards those with gender identity issues.

(2). The LDS Church is the Lord’s church, governed by leaders with divine priesthood power. Elder Ballard said both men and women are essential to the priesthood; it cannot work successfully without both men and women. But he specifically cautioned women “not assume a role that is not yours” by encroaching on priesthood roles. The latter is undoubtedly a subtle response to the Ordain Women movement.

(3). Although men and women’s roles differ, God doesn’t view one or the other as more important. "Equal" doesn't mean "identical"; it can mean "complementary". And no man can achieve exaltation in the celestial kingdom without a woman by his side, nor can a woman achieve the same status without a man. This would explain why in 1 Corinthians 11:11-12, the Apostle Paul states "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God".

(4). Both men and women are endowed by the same priesthood power and subsequently have equal access to priesthood keys, even though only men get ordained. The fact that only men get ordained may very well increase their level of accountability.

(5). Women are counseled to learn and understand the doctrine of the gospel, allowing them to bear testimony in a complex, troubling world. The answers to many of the issues can be found not only in the scriptures, but in the writings of previous Church presidents. A thorough understanding of Gospel principles will assure people that no blessing denied to someone in this world through no personal fault will be forever withheld; the blessing will be offered in the next world. This is why we perform proxy ordinances for the dead in our temples. We are also not expected to become perfect in this life, but merely to learn how to conquer sin.

In closing, Elder Ballard bore his testimony of the importance of women in the Church. “Sisters, your sphere of influence is one of unique spirit, one that cannot be duplicated by men,” Ballard said. “No one can defend our Savior with anymore persuasion and power than you. … The Church needs your voices now more than ever.”

Reaction: The only reaction so far has been posted on Feminist Mormon Housewives, which is not representative of mainstream LDS opinion. Many of the women who post there are pretty far gone; not only do they believe the LDS Church is a "patriarchy", but some believe patriarchy is inherently evil. Three comments capture the variety of opinion (after the jump):

The Ugly Truth About Feminism: Confronting, Combatting, And Preempting Feminism Within The LDS Community:

Mormon feminists strive to sanitize their worldview as much as possible. On The Exponent, the feminists there seem more willing to engage and persuade rather than bully and intimidate; one usually goes away from that blog educated rather than enraged.

The same cannot be said for Feminist Mormon Housewives. Despite weak protestations to the contrary, they enrage far more often than they educate. And some of them even maintain that men can be feminists (such men are often referred to as "Uncle Tims"). On June 30th, they present a post from their folk heroine Joanna Brooks, considered an intellectual calendar girl by Mormon progressives. Entitled "Ask Mormon Girl: Should Women Be Ordained? Or Do They Already Hold the Priesthood?", Brooks in her post seems to advocate for priesthood power for women in everything but in name. This, of course, is the same strategy employed by the gay rights lobby when they initially agitated for "civil unions", which proved to be a ploy to soften us up for gay marriage.

The video embedded below reveals what feminism seems to be really all about -- POWER! The person who uploaded the video embedded below to YouTube wrote "Feminism is interesting. Ask any feminist about men and almost immediately their true nature comes to the fore. Mention anything about Male advocacy and see how fast they shame you, abuse you or turn to the pig swill that is their 'belief system' no matter how much information or unbiased studies you put forth, their feelings are more important than your pesty logic ever will be".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EakCqdkSoPs



At one time, feminism was a means to an end rather than an end unto itself. Feminists like Susan B. Anthony worked for important reforms such as obtaining the right to vote for women rather than obsess with wearing pants to church. But modern feminism is different. At its core, modern feminism is divisive, corrosive, inherently anti-male, blaming men for all the sins of the world, past, present, and future. Modern feminism could even be considered a form of witchcraft, defining witchcraft as the unrighteous control over someone through manipulation or intimidation for the purposes of domination.

Feminism promotes tunnel vision through its exclusionary theology and liturgy. Feminists believe that women always have and always will be victims. Feminists promote the false and divisive doctrine of male privilege, in which even a male earning a mere $50,000 per year is considered to be inherently privileged over a female CEO earning millions. Basically, male privilege is the flip side of male supremacy. Feminists complain about so-called "male gaze", expecting that men will ignore their biology and quit looking at women. In short, feminism defies human nature itself. And in her book "Men On Strike", Helen Smith documents the negative consequences of feminism, such as the financial traps of marriage and fatherhood, family courts which hold men financially liable even for children conceived by women who falsely claimed to be using birth control, colleges which deny the presumption of innocence for men accused of sexual misbehavior, and the growing presumption that male sexuality is a scary disease, all of which are driving men away from women.

The Doctrine & Covenants tells us men how to most effectively combat feminism. Ideally, we can preempt it by responsible, equitable, and Christ-like behavior towards women. While Section 121, verses 34 through 43, sets the overall context, pay particularly close attention to verses 36, 37, and 41-43:

34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

36 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.

37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to cfight against God.

39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

The will and word of the Lord is crystal clear. When a man uses his priesthood to exercise unrighteous control and dominion over a woman, particularly his wife, mother, or daughter, he has crossed the line from priesthood to priestcraft. Priestcraft is the Satanic counterfeit of priesthood; having damned himself for eternity because of open rebellion, Satan has become more subtle and is now a master counterfeiter who can even masquerade as an angel of light. When man exchanges priesthood for priestcraft, the heavens become as brass until he gets his mind and heart right. Furthermore, "sharpness" as described in verse 43 does NOT mean abusiveness or anger; it means clarity. Cut straight to the chase and allow the other person a full opportunity for explanation and self-defense. A husband may preside over his family, but he rules WITH his wife.

Equal opportunity is irreconcilable with equal outcome.

Equality of value does not require equality of status.

The best antidote to feminism is the righteous exercise of priesthood power and authority.

Mission Leadership Councils Created To Increase The Visibility And Power Of Women In The LDS Church; Position Of Sister Training Leader Also Created For Female Missionaries

The senior leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is aware that some women in the Church are calling for Priesthood ordination out of a sincere desire to magnify and use their own spiritual gifts to serve others more fully. In keeping with this, the Church announced on April 5th, 2013 two measures designed to address such frustrations.

First, the Church has authorized the creation of a new role for sister missionaries -- sister training leader. Designed to be roughly the female equivalent of a male zone leader, sister training leaders will be responsible for the training and welfare of female missionaries assigned to them, and will be members of, and participate in, the new mission leadership councils. Like the male zone leaders, sister training leaders will continue to proselytise and will also spend time each week training and evaluating the needs of female missionaries. They will report directly to the mission president on the needs of sister missionaries. They will neither have the Melchizedek Priesthood conferred upon them nor will they be ordained to a specific office within the Priesthood.

Second, each of the current 405 missions of the Church will be authorized to create a Mission Leadership Council that will include both elders and sister missionary leaders. The new mission leadership council will consist of the mission president and his wife, assistants to the president, zone leaders, and the newly-created sister training leaders (which is why I equivocate the sister training leader position to the zone leader position rather than the district leader position). Additionally, the wives of mission presidents are now being asked to play an enhanced role in training and caring for sister missionaries whenever possible.

These developments will be addressed at greater length during the upcoming General Conference from April 6-7. Most likely a member of the First Presidency will discuss it during one of the Saturday General Sessions.

At the same time, the LDS Church has also released this new 15-minute video featuring three of the most powerful female leaders within the Church -- Relief Society General President Sister Linda K. Burton, Young Women General President Sister Elaine S. Dalton and and Primary General President Sister Rosemary M. Wixom. They provide insights into their roles in Church leadership, describe the power of the priesthood in people’s lives and provide answers to questions of interest:

http://youtu.be/pQbFwbPcr-g



This video is also discussed on Mormon Newsroom and a written transcript provided HERE. One of the questions discussed by the three ladies is how they access Priesthood power in their lives; in her response, Sister Dalton distinguishes between the authority of the priesthood and the power of the priesthood.

Mormon Church History is already discussing this story, and the blogger notes that when he was out in the mission field more than 10 years ago, they had “coordinating sisters” in each zone who also were tasked with training and attending to the needs and concerns of the sisters. But they reported to their respective male district and zone leaders and were not invited to zone training councils. Kathryn Skaggs effusively praised the video, writing "I loved listening to these great women of faith, speaking with such candor and understanding, on topics that needed to be addressed -- and by our female leaders. I support these sisters and the positions they take on these matters".

Moving The Overton Window: Radical Mormon Feminists Launch OrdainWomen Website To Bully The LDS Church Into Extending Priesthood To Women

The mainstream media is now beginning to pick up on a campaign dominated by radical Mormon feminists to pressure the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints into ordaining women to the Priesthood even without a revelation. They've launched the OrdainWomen website as their clearinghouse. KSTU Channel 13 has published the earliest story, while the Ogden Standard-Examiner weighs in with an AP story.

Although the timing of this campaign is a bit suspicious, considering it comes hot on the heels of the Pants insurgency and the Let Women Pray campaign, the latest push for LDS women’s ordination came after the Sunstone Foundation’s recent symposium in California, where Mormon and Catholic feminists joined together to talk about women’s roles in their patriarchal churches (read Sunstone's March 21st press release). Mary Ellen Robertson, the executive director of the Sunstone Foundation, said that the primary purpose of the OrdainWomen website is to encourage dialogue, adding that the group wants to know if male-exclusive priesthood is doctrinal, or merely the product of more than a hundred years of tradition. The fact that Jesus Christ selected only men to be his original Twelve Apostles doesn't seem to enter the discussion.

In their FAQ, OrdainWomen makes it clear that their coalition includes many devout Mormon women -- some of who who have contributed countless hours of voluntary service to the LDS Church and view OrdainWomen as a continuation of that faith-affirming service. For that reason alone, I find it premature and inflammatory to trot out the "A-word" (apostate) at this time. But their mission statement does not imply that a revelation through the President of the Church is necessary; they even twist a 1997 statement by the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, when he said “Yes. But there’s no agitation for that”, as justification for their insurgency:

The fundamental tenets of Mormonism support gender equality: God is male and female, father and mother, and all of us can progress to be like them someday. Priesthood, we are taught, is essential to this process. Ordain Woman believes women must be ordained in order for our faith to reflect the equity and expansiveness of these teachings.

Last year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reaffirmed its commitment to equality: “The Book of Mormon states, ‘black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God’ (2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching.” Ordain Women embraces this statement. We are committed to work for equality and the ordination of Mormon women to the priesthood.

Based on the principle of thoughtful, faith-affirming strategic action, Ordain Women aspires to create a space for Mormon women to articulate issues of gender inequality they may be hesitant to raise alone. As a group we intend to put ourselves in the public eye and call attention to the need for the ordination of Mormon women to the priesthood.

Note the lack of a reference to the need for a revelation to change Priesthood eligibility, although they use the term "faith-affirming". However, the initial official reaction by the LDS Church is diplomatic; LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter simply explained, “It is the doctrine of the Church that men and women are equal. The Church follows the pattern of the Savior when it comes to priesthood ordination.” And that pattern was first set when the Savior ordained twelve men to be his first group of apostles.

"Equal" does not always mean "interchangeable". Why is it that only women are allowed the privileges of pregnancy and motherhood? Why is it that the most demanding physical professions are overwhelmingly dominated by men? And why is it that, in order to accommodate more women, the military services have lower physical fitness thresholds for women than men? Those variations prove that men and women were not designed to be totally interchangeable. Equality of value does not always require equality of status.

Mother's Day Mormon Messages: The Best Thing A Father Can Do For His Daughter Is To Love Her Mother

As is frequently the case, the hat tip goes to LDS Media Talk for this gem. As Mother's Day approaches, we have a new message. The best thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother.

The premise: Girls learn how men should behave towards women by watching their fathers behavior towards the women in their lives, particularly their wives. They learn what to look for in a husband. They learn to be selective about the men with whom they share their time, and, ultimately, the man to whom they commit themselves in holy matrimony.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LQ80TFOGvw



Referenced in the video is a talk given by Relief Society President Elaine Dalton at the October 2011 General Conference. Entitled "Love Her Mother", Sister Dalton, specifically directing her counsel towards fathers and sons, said “The most important thing a father can do for his [daughter] is to love [her] mother. By the way you love her mother, you will teach your daughter about tenderness, loyalty, respect, compassion, and devotion. She will learn from your example what to expect from young men and what qualities to seek in a future spouse. You can show your daughter by the way you love and honor your wife that she should never settle for less. Your example will teach your daughter to value womanhood. You are showing her that she is a daughter of our Heavenly Father, who loves her".

Many women turn to feminism because of mistreatment by men. As we learn to mirror Jesus Christ in our behavior towards women, they will become more resistant to the false panacea of feminism.

Modesty Can Be Both Smart And Sexy: The Daily Mail Reports On The Proliferation Of Mormon Modesty Blogs

Several members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are attempting to demonstrate that modesty can be both smart and sexy. On October 14th, 2011, the Daily Mail reported on a proliferation of Mormon Modesty blogs designed to communicate this positive message.

In general, these Mormon Modesty bloggers believe that their bodies are temples and should be treated with respect. While LDS dress standards don't dictate personal style, LDS standards provide guidelines for what is considered appropriate and respectful. And this doesn't just include clothing; tattoos, heavy jewelry and body piercing are also discouraged by Church leaders, although not necessarily issues of temple worthiness. Modesty is actually much more than rules; modesty is actually about showing respect for our bodies because they are a sacred gift from God and should be treated accordingly.

So who are these modesty bloggers? Here's the list of those presented in the story:

-- Clothed Much: Edited by Elaine Hearn, a 23-year-old account coordinator. Also has a Facebook page.

-- North Meets South: Edited by Erica Ricks, an accountant based in New York City.

-- Wearing It On My Sleeves: Edited by Sarah Morales.

-- No More Mom Jeans: Edited by Jae Curtis, a 27-year old freelance writer.

-- Cats And Cardigans: Edited by Brandilyn Haynes.

-- Writing Rainbows: Edited by Ashley Nielson.

All six of these bloggers show that modesty can be both smart and sexy, effectively countering the sleazy propaganda put forth by both the fashion business and the entertainment industry.

This is a welcome development, because as a man, I find it more difficult to respect a woman who dresses suggestively than one who dresses modestly. Why is this? It's because of acculturation and opportunism. I actually get turned on more by a secretary wearing a short skirt in a typical office than by a woman wearing a bikini down at the beach. This is attributable to the fact that bikinis fit in with the beach and numerous women wear them, while a single woman wearing a short skirt in an office environment stands out and detracts from professionalism. Married women who dress suggestively may be more prone to illicit affairs than married women who dress modestly, although I know of no objective statistics to back this up.

Obviously, we men have the primary responsibility for being the guardians of our own virtue. But as Young Women President Elaine Dalton suggested during the General Young Women Meeting in April 2011, women have a secondary responsibility to be guardians of our virtue as well. This means women should avoid dressing and behaving in a manner which tempts us beyond our ability to bear it. The unspoken assumption is that we men also have a secondary responsibility to serve as guardians of women's virtue; we serve this purpose best by treating women like ladies even when they don't behave like ladies. This is the most effective antidote to feminism.

One supportive comment was posted on the Daily Mail website by a non-Mormon:

It's not just LDS who have modesty rules, many Conservative Baptists, Pentecostals, Assembly of God, Catholics and other Christian women try to dress modestly! I'm plain-old C of E [Church of England] but I would never wear a skirt that wasn't at least below my knees, or a t-shirt that was too tight or didn't cover the tops of my arms and exposed too much of my 'cleavage'. Basically, it's about self-respect, and also about 'not having everything on show' to the world. There are things I like to keep for my husband! I do the same with my children, they are brought up to respect themselves!

- Anna, Newcastle, 16/10/2011 13:45

LDS Relief Society President Julie B. Beck Rebuts Misperceptions About LDS Women At The 2010 General Relief Society Meeting

Before 20,000 women at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City and millions more tuned in worldwide, the 2010 General Relief Society Meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took place. Founded in 1842, the Relief Society is the oldest and largest women’s organization in the world. Messages were delivered by the Relief Society Presidency and Church President Thomas S. Monson. The common theme was the empowerment of LDS women. Local media stories published by the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, and KSL Channel 5. New.lds.org has posted excerpts from each of the four speeches HERE.

Unofficial LDS blogs addressing this event include Mormon Women, Becca and Jason's blog (particularly thoughtful analysis), Jenneology (transcribed notes) and By Common Consent.

You can also watch a video of the entire meeting HERE. Portal to written transcripts available HERE, where you can first select the language of your choice. KSL news story video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Leading off was Sister Julie B. Beck, the Relief Society President. She started out with a brief tribute to former Relief Society President Barbara Smith, who passed away on September 13th, 2010 at the age of 88 after a protracted battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She served as the 10th Relief Society General President from October 1974 to April 1984. But then Sister Beck took issue with society's misperceptions about LDS women. "Prevailing myths imply that we are of lower importance than men, that we are generally sweet but uninformed, and that no matter what we do, we will never be enough to be accepted by our Heavenly Father," she said. "In this day of mistaken identities, confusion and distraction, Relief Society is a compass and guide to teach the truth to faithful women." Written transcript now available HERE.

Next up was Silvia H. Allred, First Counselor. Sister Allred sought to rebut the misperception that single women are less valued within the LDS community than married women. "You don't have to be married to keep the commandments and to nurture families, friends and neighbors," said Allred. "Your gifts, talents, skills and spiritual strengths are greatly needed in building up the kingdom." Written transcript available HERE.

Next up was Barbara Thompson, Second Counselor. She spoke of blessings that come from the society’s visiting teaching program, in which women make monthly visits to other women in the church or keep in touch via phone, Internet or mail. “The beauty of visiting teaching is seeing lives changed, tears wiped away, testimonies growing, people loved, families strengthened, people cheered, the hungry fed, the sick visited, and those who are mourning comforted,” she said. Written transcript available HERE.

Finally, President Thomas S. Monson ascended the stand. President Monson emphasized the diversity which exists among the women of the Church, and stressed the need to avoid being judgmental, citing Mother Teresa as a positive role model. He also cited the Relief Society’s motto, “Charity never faileth,” and said charity means more than relieving suffering. It also means being tolerant, lenient, forgiving, patient and resisting the impulse to be easily offended. The latter is critically important, since popular culture teaches us to be hypersensitive under the guide of being "authentic". Written transcript available HERE.

Feminist Mormon Housewives Blogger Tresa Edmunds Featured In The Guardian, Strives To Synthesize Mormonism And Feminism

A long time contributor to the Feminist Mormon Housewives (FMH) blog has become the subject of a profile in a British newspaper, the Guardian. In an August 10th article entitled "Mormon, and feminist too", Tresa Edmunds, who according to FMH, blogs under the nom de keyboard of Reese Dixon, discusses the influence of both Mormonism and feminism in her life, and how she strives to create a synthesis of the two sometimes-conflicting belief systems.

Edmunds insists that both beliefs come instinctively to her. Her feminism is fueled by the fact that her heart is attuned to injustice, and so she's become sensitized to what she perceives as injustice against women. At the same time, she's also a "legacy" Mormon, meaning that she comes from several generations of Mormons in her family, the earliest of which crossed the Great Plains at considerable hardship. She nurtures a deep respect for their sacrifices as well.

However, Tresa Edmunds is NOT another Sonia Johnson. From the article, this description:

Whenever I tell someone at church that I am a feminist, I cannot even allow myself to take a breath before I spill out exactly what that means to me. That I don't hate men, that I don't want to overthrow the prophet, that I just want women to have every available opportunity for growth and respect. "Feminist" is widely considered to be "the other F-word", and even using it in public can end conversations as people assume some definition that bears little resemblance to my beliefs.

In the final analysis, Edmunds asserts that by calling herself a feminist, she simply believes that God loves His daughters just as much as His sons. She tells others that our LDS heritage encourages a woman's expression of spiritual gifts. She reminds others of our tradition of believing in a Heavenly Mother. But most importantly, she says we can all do better in how we treat each other.

This particular article has now been discussed on FMH. In addition, a recent post focuses on an article by Edmunds published on Patheos as well as a new project being launched to educate and support Mormons called Women Advocating for Voice and Equality (W.A.V.E.), an advocacy organization to advance gender equity within the LDS Church. WAVE intends to work with local and general leaders to be guided in highlighting and shaping policies that allow for the more full participation of our sisters and daughters in order to improve member retention. They do NOT specifically advocate extending Priesthood membership to women without benefit of a divine revelation to the President of the Church.

As Reese Dixon, Tresa Edmunds also edits the BeginningsNew blog, described as a lively and practical forum for Young Women leaders to talk about everything related to their calling to minister to the young women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Any effort to de-fang and de-toxify feminism is welcome. People like Sonia Johnson and Gloria Steinem have inflicted serious damage to the feminist cause by their attitude and their male-bashing. If FMH can change that perception, they are welcome to do so, as long as they don't attempt to stampede the Church leadership into extending Priesthood to women without benefit of a revelation.

LDS 180th Annual Conference, Saturday Morning General Session: Making Priesthood More Powerful And Relevant, The Value Of Women In The Church

NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Annual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, go HERE and select the language of your choice.

The 180th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began on Saturday April 3rd, 2010. The primary focus during this session was upon magnifying the power of the Priesthood, making it more relevant to the sisters who do not hold it, and motivating the sisters to firm up their special relationships with their daughters. For the first time in quite a while, no new temples were announced. It is also the first time since 1999 that an LDS Conference has taken place on Easter weekend; consequently, a renewed emphasis on Christ the Redeemer was apparent.

The summaries combine highlights from single reports on the session from the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL Channel 5 with individual Deseret News stories on each speaker to provide a broader perspective. Official written transcripts of each address will be posted on the LDS website in about a week from now.

Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.

-- Summary of Saturday afternoon session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session available HERE.

President Thomas S. Monson began the Saturday morning session of the conference by reiterating the call to Church members to reach out to new converts and to the inactive, to surround them with love and to help them feel at home. President Monson also marked the 25th anniversary of the unification of the Church's humanitarian program with its legendary welfare effort by citing the humanitarian assistance provided in French Polynesia, Mongolia, Bolivia, Peru, Arizona, Mexico, Portugal, Uganda, Haiti and Chile. For once, there was no announcement of new temples, but temples previously under construction in Vancouver, British Columbia, in The Gila Valley, Arizona; and in Cebu City in the Philippines will be dedicated this year. And finally, President Monson provided an update on the health of his wife, Frances, who suffered a fall leaving her with a broken hip and a broken shoulder. After two successful surgeries and several weeks of hospitalization, she was able to return home. She is doing well and continues to make progress toward a full recovery. Read the full text of President Monson's address HERE.
Audio archive below


More after the jump

LDS Young Women Urged To Have The Courage To Stand Out At The March 27th, 2010 LDS General Young Women Meeting In Salt Lake City

Male and female leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enthralled a capacity congregation of 20,000 teenage girls and their mothers at the Conference Center with a host of motivational stories at the Church's semi-annual General Young Women Meeting. Although it takes place a week before General Conference, it is an appropriate lead-in, and can be considered the female equivalent of the Priesthood Session of General Conference in many respects. Media stories published by the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, the LDS Church News, and KSL Channel 5. Audio archives will be available later HERE.

Visit my static Conference page for more information on the upcoming 180th Annual General Conference, to include all pertinent links.

KSL video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

One of the most important pieces of advice was delivered by Sister Elaine Dalton, General Young Women President. Sister Dalton urged the teens to remember who they are. She reminded them that they are the elect, the daughters of God. As such, they cannot be content to merely fit in, but must have the courage to stand out.

The world, Sister Dalton said, will have the young women believe that they are not significant — that they are out of fashion and out of touch. "The world places so much emphasis on our physical attractiveness and would have you believe that you are to look like the elusive model on the cover of a magazine," she said. "The Lord would tell you that you are each uniquely beautiful. When you are virtuous, chaste and morally clean, your inner beauty glows in your eyes and in your face."

"...You were born to be a queen."

Another member of the Young Women Presidency, Sister Mary N. Cook, also spoke up. Sister Cook said many people have felt afraid and discouraged as they have faced challenges far beyond their ability. They must take great courage and not give up, she explained. "What will help you follow the plan and be a valiant and virtuous daughter of God? First, gain a strong testimony, step-by-step. Second, seek the help of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, your family and others who will support you in your decision to follow the plan. And finally, live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy ghost," Sister Cook said.

Sister Ann M. Dibb asked the young women to follow four guides: prayer, obedience to God's commandments, daily scripture study and a commitment to follow the living prophet. "When applied in our everyday lives, these four small and simple guides from the Book of Joshua will combine to provide the most powerful source of courage and strength there is: faith in our Heavenly Father and in his son, Jesus Christ."

The First Presidency, Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, were also in attendance. Only President Uchtdorf gave an address, but he made up for the other two. He spoke at length about adversity, explaining why it exists and how it can become one of our most valued teachers. "Why must all experience sadness and tragedy? Why could we not simply live in bliss and peace, each day filled with wonder, joy and love?" President Uchtdorf asked. "In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way."

President Uchtdorf reminded the young women that when it comes to adversity, none are exempt. Everyone will suffer, be tempted and make mistakes. "You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges comes growth and strength", said President Uchtdorf.

"It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself that determines how your life's story will develop."

Sampled reaction from attendees was favorable. Natalie Walker of Eden, 13, said she especially liked Uchtdorf's funny stories, because he told of his hapless and long attempt to woo his future wife, Harriet, when they were teenagers in Germany. Amanda Romrell, 15, of Centerville, liked being reminded that she and the other girls are destined to be queens. "It's true," she said. And Carly Hutchings, 18, of Centerville, thought Uchtdorf's use of fairy tales to talk about each young woman's destiny was an awesome analogy. But Dalton's point that beauty does not come from cosmetics hit home, she said. "Young women today, that's what they get hit with," said Hutchings.

Why I Support The Current LDS Policy To Restrict Priesthood Eligibility To Men; Only The Lord Is Authorized To Change The Policy

A post on The Exponent, entitled "Guest Post: I’m Not One of Those Women. I’m Just Thinking, Don’t Worry", has prompted my own post on this subject. While not nearly as contentious as the former policy to exclude otherwise worthy males from Priesthood eligibility because of African ancestry, the continuing policy by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to exclude females from Priesthood eligibility has triggered some discussion, and occasionally dissension as well.

One such dissenter is mValient, who authored the post cited above. It should be noted that mValient describes herself as an observant member of the Church who has served a mission, so she should not be viewed as an apostate. But focusing more on equality rather than eternity, she questions the LDS Church's policy to exclude females from Priesthood eligibility. Her newly-expressed skepticism has been triggered by an article in the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof that calls for an end to "discriminatory practices" against women in religion including the exclusion of women from the religious hierarchy. Kristof reports on a group called The Elders, a group led by South African terrorist-turned-President Nelson Mandela which includes women and possibly lesbians, that issued a call to all world religions that says “the justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a higher authority is unacceptable” and further “we believe that women and girls share equal rights with men and boys in all aspects of life.” You can read their entire missive at TheElders.org.

Of course, the targets of The Elders are not just Mormons, but conservative Protestants, Roman Catholics, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and any other belief system which prescribes separate treatment of men and women. Kristof's article could serve as the intellectual foundation for a fresh assault on traditional religious expression in the United States, similar to the assaults endured by Mormons, Catholics, and others for their promotion of California Proposition 8.

One commenter to The Exponent questions the doctrinal foundation of the restriction. Caroline states that she could not find anything in the scriptures that definitively precludes women from Priesthood. But while I also could not find a specific verse barring women from holding the Priesthood either, I did find a verse in I Timothy 3:2, which states, "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;". This verse implies that only a man can be appointed as a bishop. And since a bishop, in accordance with LDS doctrine, must hold the Priesthood as a condition of appointment, it can also be interpreted to imply that only men can have the Priesthood conferred upon them. Ironically, the distinction was once best summed up by the late Baptist pastor Jerry Falwell, who said "Women may have a teaching ministry or a healing ministry, but they cannot have a pastoral ministry" (the Relief Society, for ladies only, can be construed to be the LDS version of a "teaching" or "healing" ministry).

But the restriction of Priesthood eligibility to males does not give men a divine license to use the Priesthood to exploit and abuse women. The Doctrine & Covenants imposes a stern charge upon male Priesthood holders; D & C 121:36-37 states the following:

36 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.

37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

In other words, the moment a husband abuses his wife under color of the Priesthood, his Priesthood authority is instantly suspended in the courts of heaven, and is not restored until the man repents. The problems generated from this system of patriarchy are not because the system is flawed, but because it is misused and abused. Also note the use of the word "man" in the last word of verse 37; this further implies that the Priesthood is to be reserved for men.

LightPlanet also reveals President Spencer W. Kimball's counsel on this subject, and why restricting Priesthood eligibility to men is not intended to be oppressive towards women. While some responsibilities are jointly shared, others belong solely to either the husband or the wife. President Spencer W. Kimball taught:

"[Men and women] had full equality as [God's] spirit children. We have equality as recipients of [his] perfected love for each of us. ... Within those great assurances, however, our roles and assignments differ. These are eternal differences—with women being given many tremendous responsibilities of motherhood and sisterhood and men being given the tremendous responsibilities of fatherhood and the priesthood—but the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 11:11). Both a righteous man and a righteous woman are a blessing to all those their lives touch....

Men and women are complementary. I have mentioned only a few of the special blessings God gives his daughters in helping them to become like him. His sons have their own special opportunities. And in his wisdom and mercy, our Father made men and women dependent on each other for the full flowering of their potential. Because their natures are somewhat different, they can complement each other; because they are in many ways alike, they can understand each other. Let neither envy the other for their differences; let both discern what is superficial and what is beautifully basic in those differences, and act accordingly. And may the brotherhood of the priesthood and the sisterhood of the Relief Society be a blessing in the lives of all the members of this great Church, as we help each other along the path to perfection." (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.315)

It should also be noted that no man can achieve celestial glory with exaltation without the help of a woman. Our Heavenly Father would neither be "heavenly" nor a "father" without a Heavenly Mother by his side. There are no gods without goddesses.

This does not mean that the exclusion of women from the Priesthood will be eternal. After all, since we're the Lord's church, the Lord has the right to change His mind at any time. However, if the policy is changed, it will be accomplished in one way - and ONLY in one way. The President of the Church will receive a revelation or impression that Priesthood membership be extended to worthy women, and, at the same time, each and every member of the Quorum of the Twelve will receive the SAME impression. Thus it will be a collegial decision, and not a unilateral decision. Nicholas Kristof cannot change the policy. Petition campaigns cannot change the policy. Withdrawal of tax exemptions cannot change the policy. Secular legislation cannot change the policy. No amount of earthly compulsion can change the policy.

Only the Lord can change the policy. And if the policy is changed, I will support it, not because the Brethren (General Authorities) are inerrant, but because I trust the Brethren, as a group, not to ever deliberately or maliciously lead the entire Church astray.

LDS Women Reminded Of The Purpose Of Relief Society And Asked To Be More Charitable At The September 2009 General Relief Society Meeting

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' General Relief Society Meeting was held in Salt Lake City on Saturday September 26th, 2009, and there were no real surprises except for an announcement that Relief Society meetings would be simplified somewhat in the future. The message to the sisters was to be more charitable. The speakers also touched on different aspects of the history and administration of Relief Society, the LDS Church's organization for women which was founded in 1842.

If you missed it, you can listen HERE.

For a complete perspective on the event, read stories in the Mormon Times, the LDS Church News, the Salt Lake Tribune, the Deseret News, and KSL Channel 5. Bloggernacle reaction posted by ByCommonConsent and Feminist Mormon Housewives.

Addressing the worldwide congregation of LDS women, 19,000 of who were personally in attendance at the Conference Center, were Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, and her counselors, Silvia H. Allred and Barbara Thompson. A member of the LDS First Presidency, Henry Eyring (first counselor), delivered the closing address. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

President Thomas S. Monson Counsels Women To Show Courage And Virtue At LDS General Young Women's Conference In Salt Lake City

On Saturday March 28th, 2009, over 20,000 young women filled the Conference Center in Salt Lake City as President Thomas S. Monson and Young Women leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke to them about courage and virtue during their annual meeting. Media stories by KSL Channel 5, the Salt Lake Tribune, and the Mormon Times.

Click HERE for a video or audio archive.

The gathering was restricted to young women between the ages of 12-18, their mothers, and their leaders. President Thomas S. Monson headlined the event, counselling women to have courage not to judge, courage to be chaste and courage to stand for truth. President Monson said, "There is little thought that young men and young women will remain morally clean and pure before marriage. Does this make immoral behavior acceptable? Absolutely not. The commandments of our Heavenly Father are not negotiable".

But the Young Women General Presidency showed up cocked and loaded as well. Sister Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, said, "Young women, ‘believers' must pray, speak kindly and be sincere". She also mentioned four old-fashioned but important areas from an old "Beehive Girl's Handbook" that are worth repeating today: (1) Be courteous and responsive in class; (2) be honest in all that you do; (3) do not gossip or listen to any gossip; and (4) notice nice things about family and friends and sincerely tell them of those things -- without flattery.

Elaine S. Dalton Mary N. Cook, first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency said, "We should avoid inappropriate material on the Internet and on cell phones, as well as offensive music and suggestive dancing".

And Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton capped the event by saying, "My question to each of you is, ‘If we don't stand for virtue, who will? I have received pictures from so many of you from California to Costa Rica who have made a commitment to remain virtuous and who are leading the world in a return to virtue".

Music was provided by a combined Young Women choir from the Olympus, Cottonwood and East Millcreek areas of Salt Lake County. Information about the upcoming 179th Annual Conference HERE. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Commentary: This is exactly the type of counsel our young women need. In particular, Sister Cook was exactly on point with her remarks about offensive music and suggestive dancing. In Muslim countries, women dress modestly in order to avoid "tempting men beyond their ability to bear it". This statement, of course, is not intended to excuse sexual misbehavior towards women by men. But it merely cites a triggering mechanism. A woman will never capture the heart of a respectable man by dressing and behaving like a whore.

My only criticism of this event is that it is held a full week before the General Conference. It should be re-scheduled for the Friday before the Conference to make it a more integral part of the main event, otherwise, it makes it appear as if it's only a sideshow. Just because women don't hold the Priesthood doesn't mean they are "fifth wheels" within the Church; after all, every Priesthood holder was originally born of a woman. Our actions as a Church must convey the notion that we unimpeachably value women.

Integrating the Young Women's Meeting directly with General Conference would simplify the logistics. The Beginnings New blog observed that there were a lot of empty seats. Well, of course there were. How many people from out of town want to come in for a Women's Meeting, then hang around for a week waiting for the General Conference? Integrating the Young Women's Meeting with the General Conference would increase attendance at the former event.