My name is Kelli. I am 26 years old and a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am a direct descendant of Wilford Woodruff. I served a faithful full-time mission when I turned 21. I married my husband in the Salt Lake Temple.
Mormonism has taught me the significance of human life and the divine, eternal potential within each person. I firmly believe in a God who loves and cherishes all people, which I have learned through prayer and scripture study. 2 Nephi 26:33 states, “He denieth none that come unto him…male and female…all are alike unto God.” As I practice gender equality in my marriage, and experience the joys of gender equality at school and work, I am disappointed and disheartened by the gender inequality I experience at church.
I support Ordain Women because gender equality in the Church matters, and this group is leading that discussion. I want church leaders to know I desire priesthood ordination to be available to all faithful members, regardless of gender. Additionally, as a faithful member, I want church leaders to know that I do not consider this an extreme position. Incremental steps toward equality are terrific and encouraged, but true equality will not exist until all faithful members may be ordained. I add my voice to Ordain Women because I appreciate the avenue this group has provided me to contribute to the conversation surrounding gender equality in the Church, which unfortunately has not been available to me in my formal associations at church.
I support Ordain Women because in all my communion with heaven, I have never received the message that God desires male-only ordination. I truly believe a gender balanced church leadership will benefit all current members, as well as strengthen and increase the growth of the church. I hope to see the doors of the priesthood session of General Conference open to women and men.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
I believe women should be ordained. I look forward to that day.