When will the LDS church grant women the priesthood?

[_zeezrom]

I wonder if Mary and other women visited Joseph Smith....

The Melchizedek Priesthood was restored to the earth in these last days by the ministry of Peter, James, John, and Mary who literally came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the spring of 1829 and conferred this power and authority upon them (D&C 27:12–13). Later, Moses, Elias, Elizabeth, Herodias, and Elijah gave them further keys by which these brethren could use the Melchizedek Priesthood in additional ways (D&C 110). The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the president of the high or Melchizedek Priesthood, and by virtue of this position, he holds all the keys that pertain to the kingdom of God on the earth. This office or calling is held by only one man at a time, and he is the only person on the earth at that time in whom all the powers and keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood are functional.

[_moksha]

Some Christian sects have already reached a state of enlightenment in regards to formerly shunted aside groups like racial minorities, women and gays. They were perhaps more valiant in the pre-existence and so were the first to receive the light. Sooner or later others will share in this light, whether Christian, Muslim or Jew. Just right now they are being sluggish, but the forward movement of time will help unblock any obstinacy - just at different rates.

[_jon]

Women have power in the church.

CFR

What 'power' do Women have in the Church in relation to the males of the Church?
Some women have 'power' within the female only parts of the Church organisation - but I can't think of a single example of where any women have 'power' in relation to males?

Women final speakers at Sacrament?
Women presiding at mixed sex meetings?
Women being able to offer prayers at Conference?
Women being able to show their faces during the proper way to pray?

[_Yoda]

Jack, I'm not sure you know enough Mormon men. I can not imagine any male of any age over 12 years in my ward sitting in the bishop's office, and having her ask him if he masturbates.

Never going to happen. Ever. Women may eventually be given a limited priesthood, but at no time will they ever hold leadership positions.

If a woman served as a Mormon bishop, she would realize that such a question shouldn't be asked to a 12 year old boy OR a 12 year old girl. The question has NO place being asked in an interview, PERIOD.

I think that there could be a lot of advantages to mixed sex bishoprics. If a woman felt the need to confess a sexual sin, she could confess it to a female member of the bishopric. A man could confess it to a male member of the bishopric.

Maybe this idea just makes too much sense? LOL

I actually do see women obtaining the priesthood. It may take 50 years, but I think it will happen.

I think that a gradual shift will lead up to it. Married women of Melchizedek Priesthood holders will be given the power to administer blessings to the sick. That power will be given as it was during Joseph Smith's time. Then, eventually, they will be allowed to perform Aaronic Priesthood duties such as passing and blessing the Sacrament and baptizing. The power to baptize will be a real boost for sister missionaries. Eventually, the Melchizedek Priesthood will be freely open to women. At that point, members will be like current members who went through the temple AFTER the ceremony changes. They will have a hard time believing that things were ever different.

[_Buffalo]

Maybe they'll eventually have husband and wife co-bishops.

[_zeezrom]

I think the process of the LDS church granting women the priesthood will be (by far) the most fascinating event in the history of the church.

[_malaise]

Never. What is amazing is just what exmos use to justify their exmo status. Women have power in the church. In fact, they have a lot of power in the home. Women are the watchperson of what comes into the home and what doesn't. They are the gatekeepers and occupy an important position in the family. They can also receive personal revelation in regards to the family.

If one does a random check as to whether or not women want the priesthood, most would say no. Why? Because of the responsibility having the priesthood entails.

The power to decide what to make for dinner. The power to change diapers. The power to be called to do all sorts of tasks for the church without having any real formal authority. The power to serve in a cute little organization set up and really run by male leaders. Mormon women are really the most powerful people in the world.

[_Themis]

I actually do see women obtaining the priesthood. It may take 50 years, but I think it will happen.

It wont change until enough pressure is put upon them to change. The pressure will mostly have to come outside of the religion as it had to with polygamy and the priesthood ban on blacks.

[_harmony]

It wont change until enough pressure is put upon them to change. The pressure will mostly have to come outside of the religion as it had to with polygamy and the priesthood ban on blacks.

Agreed. The Brethren are nothing if not stubborn. The current crop is going to have to be dead before anything is done.