The doctrine is one of gender equality. A woman is not expected to be a silent partner in the Church or in her family, nor in the community and the world (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball, 1982, 315). The highest conception of women is found in The Church of Jesus Christ; Jesus restored that conception of woman. The concept of Eve and the Fall is the most empowering and ennobling doctrine of all of Christendom. The Church teaches that Eve's decision in the Garden of Eden was courageous and that it was necessary for the progression of each of us; that it was not a sin but a transgression of a lower law to fulfill a higher one. Eve is not second-class nor is any woman, in the faith of members of The Church of Jesus Christ. This gives us a different starting point and a different ending point for the potential of women.
The priesthood is infinite, and is continually poured out and its powers and blessings are shared as the Lord has designated. There is no scarcity of it, nor does it need to be re-distributed according to secular versions of functional equality. All women have access to the power of the priesthood and equal access to God.
As a 32-year convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I can honestly say that there is no one I'd rather be than a woman in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm continually awestruck by the doctrine—including the beauty and expansiveness of the conception of women, the power of women, the role of women as disciples—that has been restored to the earth. It seems we can only rise as high as our conception of ourselves and our power to act. And nowhere on earth, in my view, is there a clearer conception of who we are as individuals and as women, and nowhere is there a signature, divine organization for women in which to operate through God's power and authority, through priesthood keys turned on women's behalf. I feel I, along with every woman of The Church of Jesus Christ, have a divine prescription for unlimited growth and righteous spiritual power, unavailable anywhere else on earth, giving us full access to God's highest and most glorious blessings, as we conform to his will and purposes. Nothing is in our way of ultimately being in his presence one day; nothing is limiting our fullest access to all spiritual gifts since the gospel has been restored.
Though we are imperfect beings living out the doctrine, and room for growth in our daily application, the principles are pure and stellar, and the doctrine of the Savior is clear and resounding. The package of the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is beautiful. We, as individuals, are imperfect as members, but working within the framework, we can continue to grow in our Christlikeness and application of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
On a personal note, I hope that Kate Kelly and John Dehlin are able to review, reset, and return to the doctrines and teachings of the Savior's Church. It's disheartening that they, by their own choices, find themselves where they do. But again, the door is always open, as Church leaders have said and as the Savior invites.
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