I have a rich heritage of LDS ancestors. Some were members of the Church in Kirtland and played important roles in the temple dedication there. One family came to Utah with the Willie Handcart Company. Others were southern pioneer saints and among the first members in Georgia and Florida. I have great examples in my family of men and women who moved to new places, helped organize and grow the LDS Church where they were, and taught their children the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
At BYU, I remember sitting in MBA courses where the speakers told us we were learning leadership skills that would benefit the Church. I was thrilled to think that I could help make a difference in my religious community. I didn’t realize they weren’t talking to me.
Despite this, I have an unwavering testimony of the Gospel. I’m lucky enough to have many talents and the opportunity to develop them. However, as a woman I feel sidelined in the LDS Church. In my community, I sit on the boards of local non-profit organizations. If there is something that needs doing that I’m good at, I do it. Nobody tells me that I can’t because I’m a woman. This isn’t true of my experience in the Church. If I could be a ward clerk, the financial and membership records would be in top condition, but I can’t. I’m presently a teacher by profession. Wouldn’t that be a great fit in the Sunday School Presidency? I’ve also managed million dollar projects and gone through professional speaker training. That’s not a skill set designed for Primary.
I don’t aspire to particular callings. I know that members aren’t always called to positions because they are good at them. I’m happy to serve where I can – which, so far, has been every music calling and auxiliary presidency open to women. I would like to know that someday I might at least have the possibility of putting my particular set of leadership skills to work in my church.
I am a Mormon, and I believe women should be ordained.