Women in the LDS Church

So today I was going through the forums at lds.net and just reading a few things. I came across a post by a young women who was asking if anyone else thought the church was sexist. She indicated that there were many times when she didn't feel that it was fair for her YW leaders to teach that women should marry and stay at home with their children, to teach and to raise them..and that many of the other young women were "shooting" her dreams down. I wanted to just post my response here on my blog. Before I get into what I said, I have an addition to make. I understand that there are many single women out there (myself included) that are not married yet, or who may never have the opportunity to marry a worthy priesthood holder. To them I say...just keep following the Lord. Trust him! And keep living your life in a way that it will be a benefit to your family (whether that is future family, or present family). And read Sister Dew's talk...and Sister Thompson's talk. In case you don't know, both of these wonderful sisters have served in leadership positions in the church and are not married.

Onward....

"The Family:A Proclamation to the World" was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley in the General Relief Society Meeting in September of 1995. This proclamation upholds and defines the family. Here's a quote about the roles of men and women:

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation."

Men and women are equal in the sight of God-we are His children. But our roles are different!

Here's my reply to the forum:

There are a lot of great comments on here..but I haven't seen one (unless I've overlooked it) that talks about what the prophets have said about this! In the end, each of our individual choices are between us and the Lord, but you will never get a prompting that goes against what the Prophet says to do (unless you're Nephi and an Angel comes to you...then God will make sure that you know it's HIM speaking, not just your head).

First of all, I came across this great quote from President Faust's talk in the April 1998 Conference. He quoted President Kimball (indicating that the church still upholds what previous prophets have said):

“Remember, in the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to. You are accountable for those things which long ago were expected of you just as are those we sustain as prophets and apostles. … This leaves much to be done by way of parallel personal development—for both men and women.”

But the eternal, and incredible role of women has been defined for us.

Here's a quote from President Ezra Taft Benson:

"Since the beginning, a woman’s first and most important role has been ushering into mortality spirit sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven.

Since the beginning, her role has been to teach her children eternal gospel principles. She is to provide for her children a haven of security and love—regardless of how modest her circumstances might be.

In the beginning, Adam was instructed to earn the bread by the sweat of his brow—not Eve. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a mother’s place is in the home!

I recognize there are voices in our midst which would attempt to convince you that these truths are not applicable to our present-day conditions. If you listen and heed, you will be lured away from your principal obligations.

Beguiling voices in the world cry out for “alternative life-styles” for women. They maintain that some women are better suited for careers than for marriage and motherhood.

These individuals spread their discontent by the propaganda that there are more exciting and self-fulfilling roles for women than homemaking. Some even have been bold to suggest that the Church move away from the “Mormon woman stereotype” of homemaking and rearing children. They also say it is wise to limit your family so you can have more time for personal goals and self-fulfillment.

I am aware that many of you often find yourselves in circumstances that are not always ideal. I know this because I have talked with many of you who, because of necessity, must work and leave your children with others—even though your heart is in your home. To you go my love and sympathy for your present, and I hope temporary, situation and my prayers that you will be blessed by our Heavenly Father to compensate for a situation that is less than you may desire.

I recognize that some sisters are widowed or divorced. My heart is drawn to you who are in these circumstances. The Brethren pray for you, and we feel a great obligation to see that your needs are met. Trust in the Lord. Be assured He loves you and we love you. Resist bitterness and cynicism.

I also recognize that not all women in the Church will have an opportunity for marriage and motherhood in mortality. But if you in this situation are worthy and endure faithfully, you can be assured of all blessings from a kind and loving Heavenly Father—and I emphasize all blessings.

Solutions for you who are in a minority are not the same as for the majority of women in the Church who can and should be fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers.

It is a misguided idea that a woman should leave the home, where there is a husband and children, to prepare educationally and financially for an unforeseen eventuality. Too often, I fear, even women in the Church use the world as their standard for success and basis for self-worth." (Ezra Taft Benson, The Honored Place of Women, Ensign, Nov 1981, 104)

Perhaps many may think this is hard doctrine...well, that's what Laman and Lemuel said too. The church is not being sexist..we are simply following what God has instructed us to do.

I am not saying, and neither is the church, nor the prophets, that a woman cannot provide for her family if there are situations where she needs to do so (husband is handicapped, ill or unable). Neither are they condemning women who have not married yet. We have also been told that we must get an education! That is important, of course! But our first priority should be to fulfill the Plan of Salvation. It does not mean that we can ignore these responsibilities to have "more" (be it money, a new car, a new tv etc).

(Whew! Hopefully I don't offend anyone, but I think this needed to be said)


I believe that this is a wonderful role! I'm excited to fulfill it!

If you don't feel like that is something that you can/want to do, then pray about it! The Lord helps us gain a testimony of every gospel principle. It doesn't mean that you have to give up your dreams...just, modify them to fit the Lord's standards. If you want to read more about what the prophets have said just go to lds.org and search the Gospel Library for "Role of Women" or "Education Women".