Differences Between the Relief Society and the Priesthood

[_zeezrom]

One thing the Relief Society has over the Priesthood is that the folks in Relief Society make stuff. That is so awesome. The poor EQ dudes just play basketball and move furniture.

[_LDSToronto]

An equal Relief Society would have some elements that it has today, but would also have the following differences:

Women would hold the same priesthood offices that the men hold, with the same types of power and presiding authority. Funds for the Relief Society would be COMPLETELY governed by the Relief Society President, and there would be no "Priesthood authority" needing to "preside" over Relief Society functions.

Liz, I've served in a bunch of leadership callings in a bunch of places, and I can honestly attest that this does not jibe with my experience. Funds for all auxiliaries and quorums are distributed by a formula based on attendance and age (youth get more money than adults). Once the budget has been assigned, the quorum or auxiliary president decides what to do with the money. No priesthood governance.

As for presiding over Relief Society functions, a priesthood authority does not need to be in attendance for Relief Society functions. The Relief Society will sometimes invite a bishop or stake president to a function, where he presides by virtue of the fact that he presides at *any* meeting he attends. But a priesthood holder is not required.

Women would be just as capable as men to administer blessings to the sick, and be the voice in blessing babies.

Female bishops, Stake Preidents, Regional Representatives, members of the Quorum of the Twelve, and Prophets would be as prominent as men.

Sure, but this is different than your original case. If you want to hold the priesthood, the CoC allows women to hold the priesthood, and they are Mormon, so why not go and find a congregation that will have you? I'm sure you'd make a fine bishop.

H.

[_Madison54]

The poster going by the name "George Miller" (I think he posted on this forum along with several others online) has compiled a lot of evidence that Joseph Smith originally organized the Relief Society as a women's Masonic order. It is fascinating to read what he's written.

I do believe that Joseph Smith had quite a different vision for the women than say BY and others.

[_sock puppet]

The poster going by the name "George Miller" (I think he posted on this forum along with several others online) has compiled a lot of evidence that Joseph Smith originally organized the Relief Society as a women's Masonic order. It is fascinating to read what he's written.

I do believe that Joseph Smith had quite a different vision for the women than say BY and others.

Madison, do you have a link to George's writings in this regard?

[_sock puppet]

One thing the Relief Society has over the Priesthood is that the folks in Relief Society make stuff. That is so awesome. The poor EQ dudes just play basketball and move furniture.

Wow, zeezrom. You do know how to succinctly put down modern LDS Church practices.

[_lulu]

The poster going by the name "George Miller" (I think he posted on this forum along with several others online) has compiled a lot of evidence that Joseph Smith originally organized the Relief Society

Joseph Smith didn't orginally organize the Relief Society. Some Nauvoo women did.

[_RockSlider]

Liz's future Relief Society, receiving the final keys she awaits from none other than Tarzan!

[_Madison54]

The poster going by the name "George Miller" (I think he posted on this forum along with several others online) has compiled a lot of evidence that Joseph Smith originally organized the Relief Society as a women's Masonic order. It is fascinating to read what he's written.

I do believe that Joseph Smith had quite a different vision for the women than say BY and others.

Madison, do you have a link to George's writings in this regard?

I'm posting from my phone right now and for some reason, my search feature isn't working. I'll post some links tonight when I'm home.

George posted quite a bit about this over on the New Order Mormon forum. It was a very interesting theory and he had compiled some very persuasive and impressive evidence. He's also supposed to be publishing his book soon if I remember correctly. Hopefully he'll write about this topic in there too.

[_zeezrom]

One thing the Relief Society has over the Priesthood is that the folks in Relief Society make stuff. That is so awesome. The poor EQ dudes just play basketball and move furniture.

Wow, zeezrom. You do know how to succinctly put down modern LDS Church practices.

Ever notice how the ward kitchens are usually adjacent (or connected) to the Relief Society room? That pisses me off to no end. This is the real reason why I left the church.

[_Yoda]

Liz's future Relief Society, receiving the final keys she awaits from none other than Tarzan!

LOL! You are a nut! Love you, Rock!