Women are given priesthood power and authority

[JAHS]

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/power-of-covenant-keeping-women-celebrated-during-worldwide-relief-society-anniversary-devotional

"Sister Dennis (First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency)said she knows of no other religious organization in the world that has so broadly given power and authority to women. “All women 18 years and older in the Church of Jesus Christ who choose a covenant relationship with God in the house of the Lord are endowed with priesthood power directly from God. "

“And as we serve in whatever calling or assignment, including ministering assignments, we are given priesthood authority to carry out those responsibilities. My dear sisters, you belong to a Church which offers all its women priesthood power and authority from God,” 

I understand having priesthood authority to perform certain callings (especially in the Temple) but where does the priesthood power come in to play? I guess it depends on how one defines "power"

[Nofear]

A 2022 article too: https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2022/10/30/23306556/relief-society-president-camille-johnson-how-women-men-can-access-priesthood-power/

JAHS: "I guess it depends on how one defines 'power'"

A fair enough question. Is there a power of God that is not priesthood power? Thus it is argued that when any covenant individual acts with God's power, they are exercising priesthood power.
What isn't being claimed is that women are authorized to officiate in the ordinances of the priesthood outside of the temple. Priesthood power and priesthood authority are different things.

[SeekingUnderstanding]

6 minutes ago, Nofear said:

any covenant individual acts with God's power, they are exercising priesthood power.

So if a non covenant individual acts with God’s power are they exercising priesthood power?

[JAHS]

14 minutes ago, Nofear said:

A 2022 article too: https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2022/10/30/23306556/relief-society-president-camille-johnson-how-women-men-can-access-priesthood-power/

JAHS: "I guess it depends on how one defines 'power'"

A fair enough question. Is there a power of God that is not priesthood power? Thus it is argued that when any covenant individual acts with God's power, they are exercising priesthood power.
What isn't being claimed is that women are authorized to officiate in the ordinances of the priesthood outside of the temple. Priesthood power and priesthood authority are different things.

When I think of priesthood power I think of what ever supernatural force it is that causes one to be healed  upon receipt of a priesthood blessing. I understand that faith is also part of that healing.
Women do not perform priesthood blessings calling upon priesthood power to do it. 

[Benjamin McGuire]

Just now, JAHS said:

Women do not perform priesthood blessings calling upon priesthood power to do it. 

But they used to. That practice in the LDS Church existed from the time of Joseph Smith until the first part of the 20th century.

[JAHS]

2 minutes ago, Benjamin McGuire said:

But they used to. That practice in the LDS Church existed from the time of Joseph Smith until the first part of the 20th century.

I know women used to give blessings but I don't remember any of them specifically stating they used priesthood authority and power to do it.
They were more like faith-based blessings. 

[MustardSeed]

Can anybody think of another organization that tells women they do not qualify for certain positions I cannot participate in activities because they are women?

Edited March 20, 2024 by MustardSeed

[juliann]

1 hour ago, JAHS said:

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/power-of-covenant-keeping-women-celebrated-during-worldwide-relief-society-anniversary-devotional

"Sister Dennis (First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency)said she knows of no other religious organization in the world that has so broadly given power and authority to women. “All women 18 years and older in the Church of Jesus Christ who choose a covenant relationship with God in the house of the Lord are endowed with priesthood power directly from God. "

“And as we serve in whatever calling or assignment, including ministering assignments, we are given priesthood authority to carry out those responsibilities. My dear sisters, you belong to a Church which offers all its women priesthood power and authority from God,” 

I understand having priesthood authority to perform certain callings (especially in the Temple) but where does the priesthood power come in to play? I guess it depends on how one defines "power"

The bigger problem was the reference to our church giving women more authority than almost all other churches. That is demonstrably false. They need to stop making claims like this and simply own the limitations they place on women or change it. The blow back on this was fierce. I understand the church took down comments from their Instragram blurb. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4oZ-otMOVL/?igsh=bHlpc2xhdnV5b3Nt&fbclid=IwAR0LsR6g08gPKV6JRMJWOH5lDVz7DGY3OF5iMudAnVIjhkx5mfTA0AfE0dQ&img_index=1

Edited March 20, 2024 by juliann

[Benjamin McGuire]

6 minutes ago, JAHS said:

I know women used to give blessings but I don't remember any of them specifically stating they used priesthood authority and power to do it.
They were more like faith-based blessings. 

The men didn't make these sorts of statement either within that time frame - that was a development that comes later. Women certainly called the blessings they gave "ordinances." These ordinances were often formal, included anointing, and for a period of time women were called and set apart to serve specialized functions under this larger umbrella. I assume you are familiar with Wright's and Stapley's article in the Journal of Mormon History: Female Ritual Healing in Mormonism? If not, you should read it.

[MustardSeed]

9 minutes ago, juliann said:

The bigger problem was the reference to our church giving women more authority than almost all other churches. That is demonstrably false. They need to stop making claims like this and simply own the limitations they place on women or change it. The blow back on this was fierce. I understand the church took down comments from their Instragram blurb. 

I’m stunned that this was the claim. Why in the world!?

[JAHS]

15 minutes ago, juliann said:

The bigger problem was the reference to our church giving women more authority than almost all other churches. That is demonstrably false. They need to stop making claims like this and simply own the limitations they place on women or change it. The blow back on this was fierce. I understand the church took down comments from their Instragram blurb. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4oZ-otMOVL/?igsh=bHlpc2xhdnV5b3Nt&fbclid=IwAR0LsR6g08gPKV6JRMJWOH5lDVz7DGY3OF5iMudAnVIjhkx5mfTA0AfE0dQ&img_index=1

The Church didn't take them down. There was a report from instagram that there were some technical difficulties that caused widespread issues.
Facebook, Instagram down for some users as Meta experiences spike in outages for second time two weeks (msn.com)

[JAHS]

13 minutes ago, Benjamin McGuire said:

The men didn't make these sorts of statement either within that time frame - that was a development that comes later. Women certainly called the blessings they gave "ordinances." These ordinances were often formal, included anointing, and for a period of time women were called and set apart to serve specialized functions under this larger umbrella. I assume you are familiar with Wright's and Stapley's article in the Journal of Mormon History: Female Ritual Healing in Mormonism? If not, you should read it.

The church was still learning the proper way to do things in those days and making proper changes.

[Benjamin McGuire]

1 minute ago, JAHS said:

The church was still learning the proper way to do things in those days and making proper changes.

Of course they were ...

[SeekingUnderstanding]

1 hour ago, JAHS said:

The Church didn't take them down. There was a report from instagram that there were some technical difficulties that caused widespread issues.
Facebook, Instagram down for some users as Meta experiences spike in outages for second time two weeks (msn.com)

lol. Your article cites login issues not thousands of comments disappearing issues. And only one of your church’s posts. Do you have any any better information?

 

ETA: well that’s embarrassing. Looks like I was wrong. Many many apologies to JAHS 😢

Edited March 21, 2024 by SeekingUnderstanding

[Tacenda]

del

Edited March 21, 2024 by Tacenda

[JAHS]

42 minutes ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

lol. Your article cites login issues not thousands of comments disappearing issues. And only one of your church’s posts. Do you have any any better information?

From SLT
In a statement posted to Instagram Stories, however, the church said a “platform-wide issue” triggered the vanishing act.

Instagram had not yet responded to a request for comment by midday Wednesday. However, on X, formerly known as Twitter, the head of communications for Meta, which owns Instagram, acknowledged a technical issue had occurred Wednesday that “caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services.”

A story posted Wednesday by the United Kingdom’s Mirror noted reports of issues specifically with comments on Instagram.

Meanwhile, some of the comments that came in response to the church’s post from previous days still remained visible, including one from the Latter-day Saint author and influencer Rosemary Card, who pleaded with the faith’s leaders to heed the voices found in the comments.

[JAHS]

1 hour ago, juliann said:

The bigger problem was the reference to our church giving women more authority than almost all other churches. That is demonstrably false. They need to stop making claims like this and simply own the limitations they place on women or change it. The blow back on this was fierce. I understand the church took down comments from their Instragram blurb. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4oZ-otMOVL/?igsh=bHlpc2xhdnV5b3Nt&fbclid=IwAR0LsR6g08gPKV6JRMJWOH5lDVz7DGY3OF5iMudAnVIjhkx5mfTA0AfE0dQ&img_index=1

Well you could take it to mean that these other churches don't have any priesthood authority in the first place to give to women.

[Tacenda]

I am amazed at the comments that are now on Instagram. Here's a particular one that hit the feels. C/P'd below: 

I may be too late to the party for this comment to be added to what is shared with Church leaders — but as someone who professionally researches organizational values, one key and essential factor for sincerity is congruence between stated and lived values. These comments (and my own experience as a practicing and devout member) demonstrate that there is not such congruence in the Church. I do see and believe a way in which our doctrine provides true equality between men and women…. (And I think my current Stake does a great job at reflecting that as best they can within the bounds they have.) But until it is actually reflected in practice* at a Church HQ/top leadership level, then we will only continue to deal with covert sexism, blatant sexism, confused daughters, and women leaving the Church. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to ask, advocate, and hope for change that better reflects our doctrine. We don’t want a pat on the head and we don’t want to be placated — we want to be genuinely equal.

We are told that our lives and voices are valued.… but at present we are only valued enough to speak twice in General Conference. And definitely not valued enough to have female representation in the meetings and decisions that guide the Church as a whole (i.e., doctrine and policy). We need the value and equality of women to be taught by example.

*e.g., more female leaders, more female speakers, more understanding of female priesthood power/authority, **an understanding of Heavenly Mother as an equal partner to Heavenly Father so that we can have an example for true equal partnership for our marriages on earth**, women involved in important discussions and decision making, and on and on

[SeekingUnderstanding]

24 minutes ago, JAHS said:

From SLT
In a statement posted to Instagram Stories, however, the church said a “platform-wide issue” triggered the vanishing act.

Instagram had not yet responded to a request for comment by midday Wednesday. However, on X, formerly known as Twitter, the head of communications for Meta, which owns Instagram, acknowledged a technical issue had occurred Wednesday that “caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services.”

A story posted Wednesday by the United Kingdom’s Mirror noted reports of issues specifically with comments on Instagram.

Meanwhile, some of the comments that came in response to the church’s post from previous days still remained visible, including one from the Latter-day Saint author and influencer Rosemary Card, who pleaded with the faith’s leaders to heed the voices found in the comments.

Well I certainly stand corrected. 😬. I edited my post to correct the comment and apologize to you. 

Edited March 21, 2024 by SeekingUnderstanding

[MustardSeed]

3 minutes ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Well I certainly stand corrected. 😬. I edited my post to correct the comment and apologize to you. 

I guarantee with all the traction this story is getting, there will be no shortage of commenting.  I think the message will be clear- we are way too savvy and will not be patronized. 

[JAHS]

41 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

We are told that our lives and voices are valued.… but at present we are only valued enough to speak twice in General Conference. And definitely not valued enough to have female representation in the meetings and decisions that guide the Church as a whole (i.e., doctrine and policy). We need the value and equality of women to be taught by example.

Please see:
Episode 41: Latter-day Saint women leaders on the voice of women in the Church through executive councils, revelation – Church News (thechurchnews.com)

Here are some excerpts:

Each of the general relief society , young women, and primary leaders serve on one of the Church’s executive councils in addition to other councils and committees.

President Bonnie H. Cordon: I have an opportunity to sit on many councils, and the role is many times the same — it is to contribute my voice and to be part of the process of revelation. One of the councils that I sit on that is very interesting is the Missionary Executive Council. And that is a remarkable council, because all things to do with missionary work comes through that council. And so as you can imagine, we have an opportunity to give recommendations for mission leaders that will go all over the world and preside and take care of missionaries.

President Jean B. Bingham: And one of the general councils that I serve on is the Priesthood and Family Executive Council, and that council includes almost everything besides missionary and temple and family history work. Another council that I sit on is the Welfare and Self-Reliance Executive Council. And that’s everything else out of those three departments, really. The Priesthood and Family Department touches every aspect of every member’s life, whether it’s the organizations — Primary, Young Women, Young Men, Relief Society; from Sunday School curriculum to our Church, Priesthood and Family touches every aspect of every member’s life.

President Jean B. Bingham: Women have a voice in the Church. We are on all of the executive councils. Personally, I sit on three of them — with the Church Education System Council, the Welfare and Self-Reliance Executive Council, the Priesthood and Family Executive Council. Others of the presidencies, all nine of us, have assignments on councils. Women do have a voice in the general Church."
 

But then of course there will be those who say they may sit on the councils but their opinions are not heard or accepted because they are women. 🙄
 

 

[MustardSeed]

3 minutes ago, JAHS said:

 🙄

You don’t believe their experience apparently. 

[JAHS]

2 minutes ago, MustardSeed said:

You don’t believe their experience apparently. 

I believe the experiences of the General authority women leaders.

[MustardSeed]

1 minute ago, JAHS said:

I believe the experiences of the General authority women leaders.

Ok.  Not sure why you’d only believe their anecdotes.  The church is global.  

[Tacenda]

13 minutes ago, JAHS said:

Please see:
Episode 41: Latter-day Saint women leaders on the voice of women in the Church through executive councils, revelation – Church News (thechurchnews.com)

Here are some excerpts:

Each of the general relief society , young women, and primary leaders serve on one of the Church’s executive councils in addition to other councils and committees.

President Bonnie H. Cordon: I have an opportunity to sit on many councils, and the role is many times the same — it is to contribute my voice and to be part of the process of revelation. One of the councils that I sit on that is very interesting is the Missionary Executive Council. And that is a remarkable council, because all things to do with missionary work comes through that council. And so as you can imagine, we have an opportunity to give recommendations for mission leaders that will go all over the world and preside and take care of missionaries.

President Jean B. Bingham: And one of the general councils that I serve on is the Priesthood and Family Executive Council, and that council includes almost everything besides missionary and temple and family history work. Another council that I sit on is the Welfare and Self-Reliance Executive Council. And that’s everything else out of those three departments, really. The Priesthood and Family Department touches every aspect of every member’s life, whether it’s the organizations — Primary, Young Women, Young Men, Relief Society; from Sunday School curriculum to our Church, Priesthood and Family touches every aspect of every member’s life.

President Jean B. Bingham: Women have a voice in the Church. We are on all of the executive councils. Personally, I sit on three of them — with the Church Education System Council, the Welfare and Self-Reliance Executive Council, the Priesthood and Family Executive Council. Others of the presidencies, all nine of us, have assignments on councils. Women do have a voice in the general Church."
 

But then of course there will be those who say they may sit on the councils but their opinions are not heard or accepted because they are women. 🙄
 

 

Good to know! Maybe it's not seen on the local level as much.