The LDS Church has added women to three important committees, a historic development that gives women significant, permanent, official voices in church leadership.
Church leaders changed the name of the faith’s Priesthood Executive Council to the Priesthood and Family Executive Council and invited the church’s Relief Society General President, Sister Linda K. Burton, to sit on the council.
The General Young Women President, Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, will join the Missionary Executive Council.
The General Primary President, Sister Rosemary Wixom, will be on the Temple and Family History Executive Council.
Women in the faith’s General Relief Society, Young Women and Primary presidencies have contributed to and advised these councils for years, but only when invited to do so for particular issues and not as permanent members. This is the first time women have official positions.
The significant changes in church structure are a continuation of movement and progress made on issues of concern to women in the church.
To read the full story on the Deseret News, click here.
Kristi DraperAugust 24, 2015
I am a feminist-leaning woman who fully supports the Church leaders. This is a change that is very welcome and long overdue. I believe there are even still more places in the Church ecclesiastical structure that can be opened to the insight and inspiration of our Father's daughters.
ajAugust 20, 2015
I'm speaking up because I cannot be the only one who fully supports Church leaders but thinks this is long overdue. My husband is a smart man but if he were making all the decisions and only consulting me on occasion even though I make up half of the household, there would be an issue because I'm pretty smart as well and deserve the courtesy of being asked for input and insight. Glad this change has happened and that women finally have a permanent seat at the table.