I’m a Mormon. God is real. Jesus is the Christ. Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and the Savior. The Book of Mormon is true. Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. Women should hold the priesthood.
How I live my faith:
I have been a bishop in the Church, and it was the most humbling experience in my life. I’ve also served as a branch president, a bishopric counselor, high councilman, stake mission president, stake missionary, and a laundry list of other ward callings including service in elder’s quorums and high priest groups. We moved to Utah to manage The Daily Universe newspaper at Brigham Young University. While on campus I also taught Church history and the Book of Mormon in the religion department at BYU. I am currently serving as the High Priest Group Secretary in my ward.
About Me:
I joined the Church following journalism graduate school in Arizona, and started a newspaper to put my wife through law school. During the 1940’s my mother graduated from college early and was teaching high school by age nineteen. In our family, it has never occurred to us that men and women aren’t equal. Not separate, but equal. Equal. The most exhilarating part of my nearly four-decade publishing career, and my experience in the Church, has been the pursuit of truth.
Why I am a Mormon:
I’m a Mormon because the gospel is true. I was exposed to the doctrine of the Church as a young man, and have never doubted. The ability to marry my wife for eternity and raise our two girls and two boys in righteousness has brought countless blessings into my life. Jesus Christ and my wife are my best friends. The singular intent of my heart is to bring all who will come back into the presence of the Savior and our Heavenly Father.
Why I think Mormon women should hold the priesthood:
I think there are two primary reasons why women should be ordained. The first is equality for women that will elevate their standing personally, in the Church, and in society. The second is the worldwide opportunity we have to immediately double our priesthood power to act in the name of Jesus Christ and to do what He would do if He were here. Priesthood isn’t about gender. It never has been. Holding the priesthood is about building the kingdom of God here on earth. Ordination isn’t about discussion, or debate, or counsel. It never has been. While I’m convinced God appreciates those efforts of communication—at the end of the day ordination is about prayer. And, it’s about revelation. We invite the Brethren of the Church to take the matter to our Heavenly Father. Ordaining women now is the right thing to do—for all the right reasons.