Women and the priesthood
Women are not ordained to the priesthood in the Church; however, whether on a churchwide or local level, there are many opportunities for women to lead and serve in the Church. The Church has several organisations that are directed by women. Those leaders regularly sit in council with priesthood leaders. The Relief Society is a worldwide women’s organisation more than four million strong. The president of the Relief Society is Bonnie D. Parkin, with Kathleen H. Hughes and Anne C. Pingree serving as her counsellors. The Young Women organization serves young women between the ages of 12 and 18. The Young Women general president is Susan W. Tanner, and her counsellors are Julie P. Beck and Elaine S. Dalton. The Primary organisation exists to teach children from 18 months to 12 years old. Coleen K. Menlove is the president of the Primary, and Sydney S. Reynolds and Gayle M. Clegg are her counsellors. Each of these organisations also operates on a local level, where women are responsible for the supervision of teachers and committee members, as well as meeting the needs of Church members who come under their stewardship. Women also serve as teachers, missionaries, chapel librarians, music directors, temple workers, and activities committee chairpersons, among other positions. Opportunities for service are almost endless, and, working together, the women and men of the Church can truly answer the call of the Saviour, who asked His disciples to feed His sheep (John 21:16–17).
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The Church
