My name is Alexandra. I am a convert. My husband, however, has been a Mormon since birth. I grew up as an only child to a French immigrant mother who married an American pilot during the 60’s. I grew up Catholic and went to a Catholic school from first grade to graduation. I spent every summer in France as my mother’s family all lived there. I loved going to Church. I felt at home in my local Church, which gave me warm fuzzies. I went through Sunday school and confirmation which gave me a solid foundation. The big thing that bothered me was that I could not be an “altar girl.” I wanted so badly to be up there helping the Priest, but at the time they only accepted boys. It also bothered me that I could not become a priest, not that I felt called to do so but I wanted to be able to if felt called. The women in my family were all feminists, and so I grew up internalizing these ideals. I did, however, choose to be a stay at home mom. I had always planned on working, but after I had my first, I realized that it would be the most amazing blessing to be able to stay home with my babies. For 22 years I have stayed at home raising my six plus children. Just this month I am back in the work force. I am now a professional organizer. I am so thankful that I had the choice to stay home. “Choice” is the key word here for all of us. Had someone said to me that I was not allowed to work, that would be different. I became a Mormon shortly after marrying again. I love the Book of Mormon, and I love the Church. I have had callings in Young Women’s, the teens Sunday school, nursery, and primary. I have enjoyed all of my callings and love serving. The big thing that bothers me is the very clear difference in the way boys are raised to be priesthood holders, and girls are not. I have three boys and three girls plus one stepson and 2 step daughters. I want so much for my girls to be able to have the priesthood and to be able to Bless and pass out the Sacrament. I want for them what my boys have. I, myself, want to be able to have the Priesthood! I have heard all the reasons why we cannot have the priesthood, all of them, but I cannot agree or make peace with the answers. I have prayed and prayed, and every time the answer is always so clear: That woman should be able to have the priesthood. Every generation of women have fought for different kinds of rights, and we have come such a long way. Perhaps now is the time for us all to join together to make this happen. I know that it will happen without a shadow of a doubt. I believe women should be ordained.
Ordain Women
Mormon women seeking equality and ordination to the priesthood
