Listen to Bryndis’s FMH podcast interview here:
Hi, I’m Bryndis. I am a 56 year old African American convert from the Black Baptist faith. I am a practicing attorney and the mother of two wonderful daughters. I am passionately interested in genealogy and my favorite vacation spots are any locations where there are lighthouses.
I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January 2008 because of its focus on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I am still a member for that same reason and because my interactions with my sisters and brothers in Christ reaffirm that I made the right choice, even though I am the only one in my immediate and extended family who is a member.
After his resurrection, Jesus Christ gave his disciples the “Great Commission” and commanded them to “go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV). This “Great Commission” is or should be at the heart of all of our efforts in the Church. Imagine how much more productive and fruitful our efforts would be if all of Heavenly Father’s children – female and male – were allowed to function as full and equal partners in the work.
I am very thankful that the priesthood has been restored to the earth. However, every time I rejoice that one of my brothers has been ordained as a priest, I also ache for all women in the Church and for the Church. I ache because my wonderful, talented sisters have skills, training, and experience that could greatly benefit the Church. I ache because, in many parts of the world, there are wards and branches that are in desperate need of more “leaders” and more priesthood holders, and by automatically excluding women from consideration, the Church is doing itself a disservice. I ache because so much of Heavenly Father’s work is not being done because there are not enough priesthood holders to do the work. I ache because, simply by virtue of our gender, all women are limited in the roles we can fulfill in the Church and, ultimately, in the roles we can fulfill in building Heavenly Father’s kingdom. As important as the work is, I cannot believe that it is the divine will that so many workers are not allowed to participate, fully and equally. I believe women should be ordained.