Thursday, June 12, 2014

Teach Me to Walk in the Light

I read this article this morning and it is what is on my mind...and in my wobbly knees...and in my tears.  Kate Kelly is the founder of Ordain Women and she is facing possible excommunication.  What does this mean?  In my church, while every member is invited to follow Jesus Christ, women are not invited to hold the priesthood.  I'm not sure how I feel about this.  My efforts at discipleship have brought me joy.  I love opportunities to serve and connect with others.  People are amazing!  But I have also experienced moments of uneasiness and vulnerability because I do not hold the priesthood.  Ordain Women seeks to create a safe space for women to articulate their feelings on this issue.  It also seeks ways to respectfully request change.  Now her local leaders are considering revoking her membership in the church.  I know that there are other views on this.  Actually, I love that there are other views on this.  But this is where I stand.

I have been a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for my whole life.  It is a part of me.  I love it the way I love my ribs and my tongue.  When I considered leaving the church last year it was excruciating.  Ordain Women, and other Mormon feminist sites, helped me through this time.  They empowered me to bravely examine my faith and to take responsibility for what I believe and what I teach my children.  This process has lead me to a richer connection to the gospel of Jesus Christ and a more fulfilling communion with the saints.  Thank you, Kate Kelly.

5 comments:

  1. thinking of you and of Kate Kelly

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  2. It does place us in a difficult situation sometimes, doesn't it.... I have no desire for the priesthood,I can wait for the Lord's time. But the sometimes feeling of powerless in dealing with some men, makes serving difficult sometimes. I dint know the answer, but I wish I did....

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for this--powerless is the word, and as you say, not all the time. It's just that the one time or the once in awhile can be so bruising.

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