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LDS News: Ideas for Women Taking Over Leadership Roles in the Church

In the evolving landscape of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a wave of innovative ideas is surfacing that could fundamentally reshape the roles of women within the faith. As the church navigates the complexities of modern society, including shifting gender dynamics and calls for greater inclusivity, some members and observers are proposing bold visions where women assume more prominent leadership positions. These ideas range from incremental reforms to radical overhauls, sparking both excitement and debate among the faithful. While the church's official stance remains rooted in traditional doctrines, these grassroots suggestions highlight a growing conversation about empowerment, equality, and the potential for women to "take over" in ways that could invigorate the institution.

At the heart of these discussions is the recognition of women's historical contributions to the LDS Church. From the early days of the Restoration, women like Emma Smith played pivotal roles in supporting prophetic leadership and organizing relief efforts. The Relief Society, founded in 1842, stands as a testament to women's organizational prowess, providing welfare, education, and spiritual guidance to millions. Yet, despite these achievements, women's authority has traditionally been confined to auxiliary roles, with priesthood ordination and top ecclesiastical positions reserved for men. Proponents of change argue that this structure, while divinely inspired, may not fully harness the talents of half the membership in an era when women are leading in politics, business, and other faiths.

One prominent idea gaining traction is the expansion of women's roles in temple and ordinance work. Imagine a future where women officiate in certain temple ceremonies, not just as participants but as leaders. Advocates suggest that women could perform baptisms for the dead or even sealings, drawing on scriptural precedents like the ancient priestesses mentioned in some interpretations of the Bible. This isn't about challenging the priesthood but reinterpreting how it intersects with women's divine gifts. For instance, a group of LDS feminists has proposed "temple equity circles," informal gatherings where women study and discuss ways to integrate their perspectives into sacred spaces. These circles emphasize that women's intuitive spirituality could enhance the temple experience, making it more relatable for female members who often feel sidelined.

Beyond temples, ideas for women taking over administrative roles are proliferating. What if stake presidencies included a female counselor, advising on matters of family, education, and community outreach? This concept builds on the existing model of women serving as mission leaders or in the general presidencies of auxiliaries like the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. Supporters point to successful examples in other denominations, such as the Episcopal Church, where women bishops have led to increased membership and vitality. In the LDS context, this could mean women overseeing welfare programs churchwide, leveraging their expertise in compassion and organization to address global humanitarian needs more effectively.

Education is another arena ripe for transformation. Progressive thinkers envision women leading church universities, such as Brigham Young University, with a focus on gender-balanced curricula that highlight female pioneers in Mormon history. Courses on women's theology could become standard, exploring figures like Eliza R. Snow, who penned hymns and led the Relief Society with prophetic insight. Ideas include mandatory classes on egalitarian marriage, drawing from teachings in the Family Proclamation while adapting to contemporary realities like dual-career households. By empowering women in education, the church could foster a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle issues like mental health, which disproportionately affect female members.

Critics, however, caution against these ideas, viewing them as potential departures from revealed doctrine. They argue that the church's structure, with men holding the priesthood keys, is essential for maintaining order and divine authority. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in past addresses, has emphasized complementary roles between men and women, warning against secular influences that blur these lines. Some members worry that pushing for women to "take over" could lead to division, alienating conservative factions and weakening the church's unity. Yet, even among traditionalists, there's acknowledgment that women's voices need amplification. For example, recent general conferences have featured more talks by women, signaling a subtle shift toward inclusivity.

On the progressive side, online forums and podcasts are buzzing with speculative scenarios. One popular idea is the creation of a "Women's Quorum," parallel to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where female leaders advise on policy and doctrine. This quorum could focus on issues like reproductive health, domestic violence, and women's spiritual development, providing input that directly influences church decisions. Imagine a world where the First Presidency consults this group before major announcements, ensuring that women's perspectives shape the faith's direction. Such a structure wouldn't require priesthood ordination but would recognize women's inherent authority as daughters of God.

These ideas aren't just theoretical; they're inspiring action at the local level. In wards across Utah and beyond, women are organizing study groups to explore scriptures through a feminine lens. For instance, reinterpretations of Eve's role in the Garden of Eden portray her not as a temptress but as a courageous seeker of knowledge, a model for modern women. Book clubs are delving into works by LDS authors like Rachel Hunt Steenblik, whose poetry celebrates divine femininity. Social media campaigns, with hashtags like #LDSWomenLead, share stories of women who have quietly influenced their communities, from organizing disaster relief to mentoring youth.

Looking globally, these concepts could have profound implications for the church's international growth. In regions like Africa and Latin America, where women often bear the brunt of family and community responsibilities, empowering them could accelerate missionary work and retention. Ideas include female-led missions, where sister missionaries train and direct efforts in areas with high female conversion rates. This approach recognizes that women connect deeply with other women, fostering authentic conversions rooted in shared experiences.

Of course, implementing these ideas would require careful navigation of church hierarchy and doctrine. Proponents suggest starting small, with pilot programs in select stakes, to test the waters without disrupting the broader membership. They draw inspiration from historical precedents, like the brief period in the 19th century when women administered blessings, suggesting that flexibility has always been part of the Restoration.

As the church approaches its bicentennial in 2030, these discussions underscore a pivotal moment. Will the LDS faith evolve to embrace women in more authoritative roles, or will it hold steadfast to traditional patterns? The ideas for women taking over aren't about domination but collaboration, envisioning a church where all members contribute fully to building Zion. For many, this vision aligns with the gospel's core message of love, equality, and progression.

In personal stories shared anonymously, women express a deep yearning for change. One sister recounted feeling called to leadership but limited by current structures: "I know God has given me gifts to serve, but I want to use them without barriers." Another highlighted the impact on youth: "My daughter sees women leading in school and sports; why not in church?" These voices reflect a broader sentiment that empowering women strengthens the entire body of Christ.

Ultimately, the conversation about women taking over in the LDS Church is about harnessing untapped potential. It's a call to reimagine roles in light of eternal principles, ensuring that the faith remains relevant and vibrant. Whether through expanded temple duties, administrative influence, or educational reforms, these ideas invite members to ponder how women's leadership could enrich the gospel experience for everyone. As the dialogue continues, it may well shape the future of one of America's most dynamic religious movements.

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Read the Full The Salt Lake Tribune Article at:
[ https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/07/24/lds-news-ideas-women-taking-over/ ]