In recent discussions and talks given by prominent leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there has been a growing emphasis on the role of women in the priesthood. The temple provides a model that reflects the evolving understanding of women’s involvement in priesthood ordinances.
The Temple as a Model
The temple serves as a model for women’s participation in priesthood ordinances. While women do not hold priesthood offices, they are actively involved in administering sacred temple ordinances under the authorization of temple presidents who hold priesthood keys. This principle aligns with the idea that women, even without formal ordination, can officiate in priesthood ordinances when authorized by those holding priesthood keys.
President Russell M. Nelson has emphasized that women in the Church are authorized to perform and officiate in priesthood ordinances in the temple. He expressed this vision in a talk specifically given to women, highlighting that their temple endowment prepares them for this sacred responsibility. This underscores the idea that the temple provides a blueprint for how women can be actively involved in the exercise of priesthood authority. (see Spiritual Treasures)
Recent changes in temple ordinances also reflect this evolving understanding. In the endowment ceremony, women who assist in officiating alongside male officiators are now referred to as “officiators” as well. This small but significant change illustrates the Church’s commitment to recognizing the equal participation of both men and women in the priesthood.
Equality in Separate Capacities:
The temple’s model demonstrates that both men and women can and should be active participants in the priesthood, both within the Church and the family. The home, often referred to as a temple, is an extension of the temple model, where men and women work together as equal, yet distinct, partners in the work of salvation. This perspective encourages us to see the value in both genders’ unique roles and responsibilities.
The temple shows us that women can be as engaged and participate in equal capacity as men, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to exercise the power of God to bless those around us. While it remains uncertain what the future holds in terms of changes in policy and practices, the temple model and recent developments indicate that the Church is open to continuing revelation and change, always seeking to align more closely with the divine plan.
Conclusion
The evolving role of women in priesthood ordinances, as demonstrated by the temple model, showcases the Church’s commitment to understanding and implementing principles of equality in separate capacities. This model reflects the heavenly partnership between male and female, equally yoked in administering the holy priesthood of God. As the Church continues to receive fresh revelation, we can anticipate that changes will continue to come, and we should be open to these adjustments as they lead us towards a more perfect understanding of our roles in God’s plan.