The church recently announced that they're going to broadcast the Priesthood Session of General Conference the way they broadcast the other sessions, and some feminist Mormons believe that this is a step toward women getting the Priesthood. There are a few thoughts in my head about this turn of events, and I thought I'd take a few minutes to share them.
It Wasn't Like It Was Secret
This isn't the first time women gained access to the Priesthood Session talks. The talks from Priesthood Sessions of previous Conferences are posted on LDS.org in both text and video form. In addition, the videos are posted on Youtube by an LDS-controlled Youtube Channel, and the text of the talks are printed in the Ensign. Any person, man or woman, member or non-member, can read or at least watch, all the talks themselves, whether those talks were given in Priesthood Session or not.
The Church Doesn't Change For Popular Opinion
This church has something very strong in common with the Catholic Church: Our truths and values don't change by popular vote. If the world had its way, a lot of things would change, but the world isn't in charge of this church - The Lord is, and His laws don't change, no matter who disagrees with them. When changes happen in the church, it's not in response to any petition, it's in response to revelation. It's God who decides when His people are ready to adopt or discontinue certain practices.
This Isn't a Big Change
What this means is that now people have the option of watching the Priesthood Session of General Conference at home with their family rather than watching it at church with their Quorum. I'm still going to go watch the session at church, mostly because we don't have satellite, but also partly because I'd be better able to focus on the talks when I'm at the actual church building. I think a lot of people will also make that decision. The main difference now is that the people who have satellite who can't get themselves to the church building (for transportation or health reasons, to list only two) will now have the option of watching the Priesthood Session at home at the same time as the rest of the Bretheren.
The church isn't spilling the beans to those who are itching to hear what goes on in our "secret" meeting - they already did that. Nor are they giving in to the demands of vocal feminists. That isn't going to happen, no matter how loudly they complain. What the church is doing with this move is reaching out to those they might not otherwise be able to reach - Those in less-fortunate circumstances who still want to hear what God has to say to them. It's a gesture of love and unity.
This is also a gesture of trust to those of us who now have a decision to make, whether to watch Priesthood Session at church or at home. God hopes that each of us will consider our options, take our decision to Him for confirmation, then follow whichever path will lead to greater joy and blessings for ourselves and our families. For me, the choice is clear. In fact, I don't even have a choice (except for whether I'm going or not). The rest of you might want to do a little thinking and praying, and then making plans. One more option has opened up to us. Is it the right option for you?
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