Hi, I’m Julia. I am a Unitarian Universalist with many amazing LDS women (and men) in my family and I wholeheartedly support the Ordain Women movement. As a Unitarian Universalist, I firmly believe in the first UU principle, which is inherent worth and dignity of every person. Similarly, in the LDS scriptures members are told to “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God”. Any faith, or any organization for that matter, can only stand to benefit when the worth of all members of that group is recognized and celebrated equally. Ordination for LDS women would be an incredible blessing for all members of the religious community.
I envision a faith in which the strength, intelligence, holiness, and worth of all women is recognized at the same level as the men, by allowing all members of the faith the opportunity to be a priesthood holder: Where young women bless and pass the sacrament, and know that they are holy and worthy to share that weekly sacrament with their community of worship. Where young women are able to meet with female leaders for their spiritual development and assessment of temple worthiness. Where women can lay their hands on their families, their friends, and even strangers to share blessings and vision, to baptize, and to marry. Where women are able to share their accumulated strength, spirit, and experience not just in their families, classes, and wards but in bishoprics and from the pulpit at general conference. Where daughters know that the wisdom and strength of the women around them is just as valuable as the men. Where women of all ages are able to fully develop their potential, for both the blessing that gives to them as leaders, as well as to the entire community.
For my mother, sisters, nieces and friends, I imagine an LDS faith in which women are ordained and share priesthood responsibilities.