We have moved through January and are now squarely situated inside the year 2016. It’s still cold, but we can see the sun and spring peeking over the horizon, and we are ready to charge with zeal into this new year. In November, I shared the 2016 theme for Ordain Women: Ready for Revelation. What does this mean for us as we move forward this year? We will continue to advocate, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for priesthood ordination for all members in good standing, male and female.
This advocacy will be demonstrated in many forms. First, we will maintain a continued online presence through our website and blog. These are spaces wherein supporters of Ordain Women share their personal stories and testimonies of religious gender equality. Second, our social media accounts will remain places where important conversations about the impact of religious gender inequality on all of us. And third, we will return to the in-person strategic actions that have been so spiritually uplifting for our supporters.
So what does this mean for you, our supporters? In 2016, there will be several ways for people to be directly involved. And in the spirit of the new year, I present to you
Five Ordain Women Resolutions:
- Continue to visit our website and blog and when you see something you like, or that makes you think, or that challenges your ideas, share it. If it spoke to you, it will speak to others.
- If you haven’t yet, make it a resolution to write and submit your profile in 2016! And if you have already submitted a profile, invite a friend to submit one. The profiles are works of beauty and self-respect, I can testify that sharing mine 3 years ago was one of the most spiritually empowering things I have ever done. We welcome all voices, as long as they can end their profile with the words “I believe women should be ordained.”
- Join the conversation on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media accounts. We strive to maintain a positive atmosphere that is honest, challenging, and respectful. If you can join us, we’d love to have you.
- When you see the inequality in your own stake, ward, or community, talk to your leaders about it. Share your concerns, your fears, your prayers, your hopes. If you feel comfortable, ask them the hard questions. But at the very least, help them see it.
- Join our actions! Past actions have been described as spiritual and beautiful, both by participants and observers, and this year will be no different. If you can participate in person, count on April 1, 2, and 3 in Salt Lake City. If you cannot be there in person, we have made sure to provide several avenues for you to be part of the campaign.
Just like other resolutions, you should seriously consider which one (or more) of these suggestions is the most appropriate for you. I hope you take some time to think and pray about religious gender inequality and the LDS Church and I invite you to be a part of Ordain Women in whatever way the spirit moves you.
Debra Jenson serves as chair of the Ordain Women executive board.