Listen (continued).

Alright.

I promised I would express my post-mission feelings about women in the church. Avec plaisir, my friends.

I identify myself as a Mormon Feminist. No, I don't need to use this title. But I like it - it's a precise summary of exactly who I am.

I believe men and women are equal in the eyes of God. Radical, I know. This belief has fueled my passions specifically in the direction of international women's rights, but I support all movements that strive for equality among men and women.

In the context of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I believe women are equal. Within the Mormon church, I believe we have work to do. And yes, I do see them separately.

Throughout the Bible there are evidences of women as priestesses, judges, and leaders. Christ himself held women in a position of preeminence. They were present at every stage of his life - Mary his mother, Anna the Prophetess, Mary, Martha, the countless women he healed, etc. They were the last ones with him as he died on the cross, and to Mary Magdalene, a woman, he first appeared after his Resurrection. After Christ's Ascension, women played very important roles in the early beginnings of Christianity (see here).

This is a picture of the prominent leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.



They are all very good people. They also happen to be all men, most of which are white Americans. I find this a bit troubling, considering that most of the members of the church are not American, and at least half of them are women.

This, as we are all aware, has to do with priesthood authority, something that women at the present time do not posses. If you have interest in reading more about the potential for women's ordination, please click here. Although I am sympathetic to the cause of ordination of women to the priesthood, my personal concerns with the church do not at present lie in priesthood ordination policies and procedures.

I am concerned that there are not more leadership positions within the church for women, even when there could be. I am concerned that prescribing gender roles can inhibit men and women from exploring their divine qualities and talents. I am concerned that cultural habits within the church promote inappropriate behaviors and discourage diversity.

I know my worth. I know that I am equal in the eyes of God. I am a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

And I am not ashamed of asking questions.




Fellow Mormon Feminists:
Feminist Mormon Housewives
Young Mormon Feminists
Ask Mormon Girl

If you have any questions or comments, please respond below. I'd love your feedback.

Listen.

It is currently 1:26am and I should be sleeping. But I can't. I will write a blog post. Yes.

Well hey hey! Guess what! The world has changed a lot in the past 18 months. Actually not really. Bit a little bit, yes. I guess the basic ideas of a crumbling society are still in place, but the conversations are evolving and everyone is in a tizzy.

I am aware that you are all sweating in anticipation to partake of and rejoice in my infinite wisdom, and so I will address two of the hot [and extremely exhausted] topics of the season: gay marriage and women in the Church.

As usual, my blogs are strictly my opinions (thank goodness) and I do not claim to be any sort of spokesperson for my LDS faith.

And so.

Gay marriage.
Honestly, I'm not for or against gay marriage. Do what you freaking want, folks. My only beef with this topic is the sudden justification of hatred for one another, demonstrated from both parties of this "issue." Why can't we be friends?!

I recently read a horrifying comment on facebook. One of my friends expressed their desire for marriage equality, as many did in the past week, by uploading the picture of the red equals sign. You know what I'm talking about, right? It was all the rage. Anyway. My friend happens to be LDS, or Mormon if you will, and the LDS church has stated their views on the subject quite openly. Another person, presumably of our same faith , commented on the picture with something to the effect of (and really I'm not doing it justice), "Maybe you should find another church instead of trying to change the Church's view to fit yours."

Um...excuse me?

First of all, if we believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be the literal church of Christ on the earth today, why in the HELL would we suggest others to figuratively "take a hike," as if they weren't allowed into our elitist sphere? The point of a church is to be a safe haven - a place people can come to nurture themselves spiritually. It's a hospital for souls, not a country club of "perfected" Christians.

Putting all that aside, we're all aware that the Church has made their stand. But where does Christ stand? They're not the same entity. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of mercy to me. He loves unconditionally. He doesn't care what you've done or where you are in life or what situation you were born into. He sees us as the people we can become. I believe that every tear we shed is a ache that He feels. He mourns with us and comforts us. He wants us to have eternal happiness. That is His "view." And maybe, just maybe, when we try to see others in this way we will be able to comprehend a tiny particle of His love for them. Perhaps people who support marriage equality are not trying to tear down the Church or undermine authority, but they are trying to understand what it must feel like to be told that your feelings for other people are a sin, that you must live a life alone if you are to please God, that in a sense your very self offends the supposedly loving Father who created you.

This, of course, goes the other way around. Although many people oppose gay marriage, I would like to think that most of them do not mean it to be offensive in any way. They still express love and concern for those who identify as homosexuals, and often defend their loved ones. Their reasons for opposing gay marriage may be of a political or religious nature, and that is to be respected.

I pray for a world that is kinder and more gracious, especially when discussing these extremely important topics. I suggest that we all love each other. All in favor?




Well, now I am tired. I am going to have to leave you hanging on the women in the Church. Don't cry, I pinky promise to write again soon.

Love to you all.