Men, Women, and Priesthood Authority

I was studying the story of Abraham today, in conjunction with the great seminary manual, and came across this message from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He taught that both men and women exercise priesthood authority when they perform their assigned duties:

“Priesthood keys direct women as well as men, and priesthood ordinances and priesthood authority pertain to women as well as men. …

“We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties.

“Whoever exercises priesthood authority should forget about their rights and concentrate on their responsibilities” (“The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 49, 51).

I am grateful for such clarity and insight. The Priesthood is the power of God. When under assignment, from God's appointed leaders, we are given the authority to act in his name to fulfill our assignment.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored. It is back on the Earth. Come learn more!