Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Ordain Women?



The subject of some women wanting to be ordained to the Priesthood has been running ramped among the Mormon community. It even got a mention on Good Morning America! I’ve stayed silent because I just didn’t feel like rocking the boat…. Now I feel like rocking the boat.  

Kate Kelly is the leader of this group. She was recently excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I’ve heard different reactions to this. I’ve heard “she got what she deserved” or the other side “I’m heart broken.”

Kate Kelly

My heart goes to Kate Kelly. She was an active church goer and remains faithful to her faith. She actually lived in my area, the people that decided her fate are some of my local leaders. Now she is told she can’t attend the Temple, hold a calling in the church, and I’m pretty sure (don’t quote me) she can’t even attend church. After a year and after going through some process she can come back. 

The Church stated "Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding. We feel special concern, however, for members who distance themselves from Church doctrine or practice and, by advocacy, encourage others to follow them."

Here is the link for the official letter. 

I support some things that Kelly stood for. While I believe women should not receive the Priesthood, there is more to what she stood for. Her other big point was equality. This is where she hit home for me. 
 

The Church (like most other organized religions) is sexist that is not a secret. 

Is it fair that only men can be local leaders?

Is it fair that only men could decide that Kate Kelly would be excommunicated?

Is it fair that only men can make almost all the decisions in the Church?

The Presiding Bishopric of the Church... All men.


This has bothered me for some time. But I didn’t want to say anything. Religion is a touchy subject in general.

I think more people share this view than are willing to share.  Now that someone has taken the stand more and more people are coming out of silence.

The can of worms has been opened. Now The Church is forced to address it. Nothing may come of it, but you never know.  It will be interesting to see how all this plays out, I have a feeling things will no longer be the same….