This post has been very difficult to put together. Not because this is a difficult issue for me to discuss (as anyone who has talked to me in the last few days can attest) but because I have so much to say on the subject, it has been hard to condense and prioritize. A lot has already been said about the Mormon Feminist group "All Enlisted". Many are supportive (more than I would hope), many are speaking out against it, and still others are confused about the facts of the "protest". Some believe this organized "wear pants to church" day really is about women's Sunday attire. However, this is not the case as plainly made clear by its organizers.
KUTV reported that Stephanie Laurtizen, the leader of the new feminist group said "the event has little to do with pants. The pants are a symbol for the views of feminist Mormons who struggle with gender inequalities in the church and want their voices to be heard. "I feel like my opportunities in the church are limited because of my gender," she said pointing to the fact that she would like to serve on a greater level like men do, but can't because she is a woman. Given the opportunity of greater spiritual service, Stephanie imagines the first thing she would do: “I would bless my child and I would use it to bless other people in my life so I wouldn't have to call a stranger in the middle of the night to say 'my husband is sick, come give him a blessing.' I could do that and make my family better," she said."
So, lets recap. As a Latter-Day Saint, we believe that when we come to church on Sunday, we come in our best attire, clean both physically and spiritually. This is to show that we come prepared to worship and to learn. The
For The Strength of Youth book states, "Your behavior and dress on the Sabbath should show respect for the Lord and His holy day." In my opinion, it is disrespectful to use an outward symbol of our respect for the Lord as a way to oppose certain things about His church. These women are unfortunately using the Lord's holy day, and our personal opportunity to worship and commune with Him for their own distracting protest. Sacrament meeting is for repenting of sins and feeling forgiveness through the Holy Ghost, not a fashion show and not a venue for a protest.
Not only is the event disappointing in its basic expression, but its whole purpose is completely opposite of the beautiful teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Lets first talk about policy versus doctrine. In the Church, there are things that we hold true as eternal, and divine doctrines. For example, the doctrine of baptism- that is something that will never change. Christ was baptized even though perfect, as a sign of its necessity. Baptism by immersion has always been the way into the Kingdom of God and always will be. Somethings in the Church are policies. These sometimes change depending on need and circumstances. For example, there used to be one teacher per primary class. Now, that policy has changed and each primary class must have two teachers. Let us be very clear, the priesthood and its responsibilities is doctrine. Men have always been responsible for the very heavy responsibilities of the priesthood. "We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church namely apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and so forth." (6th Article of Faith) Meaning, Christ Himself established the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. The organization is the same. Let there be no mistake, wearing pants to church cannot and will not change an eternal doctrine. Our doctrine states, "By
divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as
equal partners". (The Proclamation to the Family) These women have not used doctrine to support their claims but I am... what does that say about their demands? I think I'll stick to the Lord's side, because don't forget, challenging doctrine isn't challenging the bishop or even the Prophet, it is challenging the Lord.
EQUALITY IS NOT SAMENESS.
When I was a kid, my mom used to make chore charts. We each had different responsibilities in keeping the house clean. It took each of us, doing our jobs, to keep our house in order. If, however, my sister would have decided to take over my dusting, either 1) the dusting would get done twice and her job would go undone, or 2) I would have just stopped dusting. Let's be honest, I would have stopped dusting and let her do it. If we all try and take the same responsibilities not only will we exhaust ourselves and shirk in other responsibilities, but we would lose our need for one another and our motivation to fulfill those responsibilities. (should I say responsibilities a few more times?)
I don't know who these women are friends with but I have been privileged to have some amazing holders of the priesthood in my life. My father always taught us that women are to be respected and appreciated; that our role in this life is sacred and just as important as the man's role. I have had male friends who have respected my strengths and have allowed me to appreciate theirs.There is not a doubt in my mind that I feel the most satisfaction in my role through the gospel of Jesus Christ. So on Sunday, I will wear my nicest dress and I will shower and fix my hair and I will prepare to worship the Lord. And I will look at the men who have kept themselves worthy of the priesthood with respect and appreciation. I will think for a moment about how much their worthiness has blessed my life and how they still contribute to my experience here on earth instead of being totally useless. Then lastly, I will go to Relief Society and appreciate all the women around me and their service and their testimonies and be soooo grateful that we don't have to do everything all the time and be exactly like men, let's just be women.
