Vol. I. Issue 2 Mormon and Feminist?: Feminist Reactions to LDS Scripture, Doctrine, and Practices

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints places a large emphasis on the concept of “separate but equal. ” This is most evident through the roles of priesthood verses the roles of motherhood. Only men are allowed to possess the societal power and authority that derives from the priesthood of the Church. Women may be involved in societies that promote community service and caring; however, all leadership roles in the Church are possessed by males. These societies are organized “under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood, ” following the belief that the “Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.”1 While men worry themselves about the workings of the Church, women are expected to care and nurture within the home. Each gender has its own sphere of influence and does not technically encroach upon the other’s area. Women should no more enter the priesthood and leadership of the Church than men should enter the role of motherhood. Sonja Farnsworth quotes Boyd K Packer as saying: The well-being of the mother, the child, the family, the Church … of all humanity rests upon protecting motherhood … The addition of suc