For me the principle of respect and equality for women and men is a timeless principle, not just political but has mulitple other dimensions such as spiritual. I am grateful to find throughout history examples of great world leaders who have in their teachings and relations with others have exemplified this, it would have gone against their very nature to treat one gender justly and the other unjustly.

As far as the church goes . . experience has shown me, that for women in this day and age honoring the principles of equality and fairness is not a capability under the current system of decision making. It is said by authorities that common consent is actually used in the decision making process but my experience is that ‘common consent decisions’ mean ‘men only.’ (These decisions were required locally and at headquarters) Unfortunately, when women are excluded, it seems injustices occur much more frequently. (Weren’t there several university studies lately-ie Harvard-showing that levels of dishonesty and lack of ethics always decreased when women were included in business executive committee decisions?)

The question I keep coming back to is: If we are treated unequally and hurting now, what will things be like for our daughters and grand daughters, if nothing changes?
Will the little things become bigger and bigger until we wonder how we got into such a mess?

(Just to be clear I am not advocating that women hold the Priesthood)

Kara

I’ve caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I’ve held your heart close to mine.

It really grosses me out.
But, I do think there is a growing concern, especially among younger women in the church, to discuss some of the issues related to women in the church. I am also disturbed by men on this thread who ignore or belittle a woman’s struggle with equality in the church. It’s very easy for men to dismiss these claims because we’re all told that women are better, more spiritual, etc. But I think that is part of the problem. We do all need to repent and grow and setting up a false standard doesn’t help anybody.
I agree with Eve, the inequality of the church organization isn’t really up for question, especially when you look at the stand during General Conference, or realize that you missed the best musical performance of the entire conference because you don’t have a Y chromosome. (and hence, the Priesthood)
It’s all the little things that add up. And, it’s the big things, women have been possessions for thousands of years. Are we kiddng ourselves that somehouw a few decades of political correctness is going to change that? Maybe that’s how God wants it, isn’t that what the poem says?

“Husbands, love and treasure your wives, they are your most precious possession. Wives, encourage and pray for your husbands, they need all the help they can get.”

Are you offended by that? I don’t think it’s intended to be advocating the view that wives are “possessions” per se. I think the intent is:
a husband’s relationship with his wife is his most precious possession.

The wording is somewhat unfortunate, I suppose, but I’m certain it is not intended the way you are suggesting.

Taryn, I have to say that it is because your experiences with this sort of thing resonante so stongly with my personal experiences, that I find value in this forum/blog site. I sadly report that as I have been involved in what is going on, it appears the gulf dividing how differently men and women are treated in the church is growing.
Did anyone hear in Conference on 4/2, a GA state that a wife is a husbands “possession”?

I am seriously interested in knowing others response to this kind of statement. Is it easily passed off b/c it is common, written off as an oops or is it the tip of the iceberg or somewhere in between?

Kara