I was baptized into the LDS faith when I was 12 years old. In my 20 years in the Church, I have served as Compassionate Service Chairperson, Visiting Teaching Coordinator, Provident Living Chairperson, and Relief Society 1st Counselor. I was raised primarily by my mother and have a strong testimony in the limitless abilities of God’s daughters.
I support the ordination of women because my ability to serve the Lord is not diminished by my sex, and so my opportunities to serve should also not be diminished. I have been victimized by many men during my life, from physical and sexual abuses to priesthood leaders wielding unrighteous dominion. In these circumstances, limited though they may be, it seems as if there is no protection or recourse. I have known others who have been bullied and abused by LDS men who held positions of power over women and used their authority to humiliate rather than to lead as Christ would. I believe women should be ordained because we can not protect ourselves or each other if we are denied the authority to do so, and no one can ever be safe from abuses of power if they do not stand on equal ground.
I support the ordination of women because I can not abide the strict gender-role rhetoric that seems central to many teachings. I have a medical condition and will never be a mother. My body will not allow for the fulfillment of my supposed purpose. Because of gender-rhetoric, I felt deep pain and wondered what the purpose of my existence was if I was unable to perform my holy function as a woman. If motherhood:priesthood, then I was created, either by God or biology, to exist as an unequal member of our community. I won’t be a mother, but I know now deep in my soul that I am more to God than the ability or inability to carry children.
I believe that our deepest purpose is to honor and serve God. I don’t seek power; I seek service opportunities. I love God and have a deep testimony of His gospel. And so I believe women should be ordained.