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The Historical Relationship of Mormon Women and Priesthood

1985; University of Illinois Press; Volume: 18; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/45227982

1554-9631

Linda King Newell,

American Constitutional Law and Politics

When the topic of women holding the priesthood in the LDS Church comes up, it is often met with bad jokes ("I hold the priesthood every night when he comes home from work," or "Maybe women will hold the priesthood when men become mothers"), and a not-so-subtle display of fear among both men ("What are women trying to do, usurp the male role in the home and church?") and women ("I wouldn't want all that responsibility -would you?").Usually these church members are convinced that their views are shared by all faithful members, including "the Brethren," and are consistent with our Church's history.While an examination of that history leaves unanswered the question of women's ordination to the priesthood, the historical overview of LDS women's relationship to priesthood suggests a more expansive view than many members now hold.Although I have found no case where women have claimed ordination to the priesthood, there are accounts of women being "ordained" to specific callings and of women who exercised powers and spiritual gifts now assigned only to male priesthood holders.These practices and the endorsement of them by such Church leaders as Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Heber J. Grant, and others, have left many unanswered questions.When Joáeph Smith organized the Relief Society on 17 March 1842 (see Minutes), he gave the women an autonomy currently unknown in that organization.He instructed the sisters to elect their own president who would then select her counselors.Then he "would ordain them to preside over the society . . .just as the Presidency preside over the church."