SALT LAKE CITY – Three women, all high-ranking officials in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were appointed by top church officials to leading church councils that, until now, have been exclusively male in membership.
The church announced Tuesday that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church’s governing body, appointed Bonnie L. Oscarson, Linda K. Burton and Rosemary M. Wixom to serve on the three separate executive councils.
Burton, president of the Relief Society, the church’s organization for women, has been appointed to serve on the Priesthood and Family Executive Council.
Oscarson, president of the church’s Young Women organization, has been appointed to the church’s Missionary Executive Council.
Wixom, president of the church’s Primary program that sees to the teaching of children, was appointed to the Temple and Family History Executive Council.
Oscarson posted on social media about her new appointment Tuesday:
I still vividly remember President Thomas S. Monson announcing the lowered missionary age for young women (from 21 to 19). Today I witnessed another significant moment – I received an invitation to participate as a member of the Missionary Executive Council. I am honored. This is one of three key councils of the Church, each led by members of the Twelve…
What a great time to be a woman in the Church where our voices are needed and valued more than ever. I am grateful for the opportunity to add my perspective and experience to this council as we work together to spread the message of the restored Gospel.
Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also commented on the appointments via Facebook:
I was very pleased to read Sister Bonnie Oscarson’s Facebook post about the new assignments of our women officers to the three general priesthood councils. We need their wisdom and participation! It is sensible that their assignments line up with their current responsibilities.
The LDS Church’s governance has traditionally been overseen by men since the church’s inception in 1830 under Joseph Smith.
In recent years, there has been a push from various groups within the church for more recognition and equality for female members. Some claim church policies in this regard are behind the times and need to be reformed.
In 2013, one group of feminists calling for equality within the faith called on women to wear pants to church instead of dresses as a way to spread awareness. Another group, Ordain Women, has called on church leaders to ordain women to the traditionally male-only priesthood within the church.
When it was announced that a woman would be offering one of the prayers during the church’s semiannual general conference for the first time in October 2013, it made national headlines.
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Wow. What a newsworthy event! Tommy Monsoon picks 3 little Apostlettes.
You know what? This is an absolute shock. My congratulations to these three women. I know in my heart and soul that this announcement as well as the recent unveiling of the “seer stone” and softened stance on gay rights has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that people of all ages are leaving the *ahem*church in droves and taking their money elsewhere. I mean, we all know that LDS leadership has historically stood their ground when threatened with the loss of a few dollars so why should now be any different? Oh wait……..
It is a shock. You are right on though, this is a farce. They are losing the battle of what they see as good vs evil. Old white Mormon males are seeing their power become increasingly depleted, and they don’t know what to do. So they throw the dog a bone once in a while, no matter how small that bone is.
They can do that?
The new name is the Progressive Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for liberals and gender equality. All they need is a black trans-gender illegal alien who is 92 years old to put on the Qurom of the Twelve and all their bases are covered. God Bless the new Mormon Church, I’m sure Tommy got a revelation.
Can you say Stepford Wives.
I believe they prefer the term “Sisterwives” around here.
I love it when you all pop up with your witty comments about things. You just prove to the rest of us how lowly and clueless you truly are. I guess your life is so consumed with selfishness that you can’t see the good in anything. For one I am grateful for the years of love and devotion that these people, both men and women, give to the members of the church and the community in whole. Trust me if you knew President Monson at all you would know he is not on any power trip. I am sure they could find easier ways to spend their lives at their ages than to take on all the responsibilities that they do. They do it out of love and devotion to the Savior. Your comments just prove what kind of people you are and what you have yet to learn. The good news for you is that there is still time to change your lives and do good.
If we all make you happy that’s a wonderful thing. God bless you.
Thanks LadyK for a reasonable comment. To the rest of those whose lives revolve around the Mormon faith (as in FungBag, 42113, LadyBugPretender and the lot), have yourselves a nice day. You all are quite obsessed with the LDS Church. Kinda cult-like folks.
I don’t wear magic underware to protect me from you mean verbal assaults so please be more considerate. From one cult like folk to another(reader)
Handle a ladybug with care
Why does the picture show 3 clerks from ZCMI?
What’s it cost to meet Monson? I know you don’t get into Temple without paying your “dues” so I assume meeting Tom isn’t a free ride. The whole system is pay to play.
HEY LADYK that’s is totally disgusting and ignorant and completely uncalled for you to attack 42214 for absolutely no reason whatsoever but as long as you’re happy that’s all that counts. God bless you. Have a nice day 422
I’m afraid to comment. I have a serious question in mind but I’m afraid I’ll be called a Mormon basher if I ask it here.
And that’s why members are trained to not question anything. They don’t want backlash and excommunication so they keep quiet.
I QUIT my job for the same reason, you speak up and must face the backlash of the big bully! ….screw that! I walked out….freedom!!! No regrets! Come on sagemoon, you can do it
To Tyler, who with one guess figured out my true identity, I’m forever awed by that and also know I’m who I am no matter what name I use. Im no longer there buddy!!!! I am free as a ladybug…..p.s. handle the ladybugs with care!
BENDER will step up to the plate and answer your question SAGEMOON. Yes, it is possible that Donny Osmond will take additional wives in the hereafter. Your chances will be greater if you convert and do your visiting teaching every month. Also, consider a jello-based diet always vote straight ticket (R).
It’s ok sage they already think you’re a mormon basher, so you have no worries
Ask it! Ask it!
The LD$ corporation is slowly becoming irrelevant and dying out. This type of policy change is pure desperation. They won’t be able to fool everyone forever…
The LDS belief system is waivering to and fro like a ship in the ocean.
1896, palygamy denounced in order to attain statehood. 1974 Blacks admitted into priesthood to avoid pending civil rights suits and loss of tax exempt status, (Kimball revelation) and now 2015, 3 women appointed to “leadership” positions. History tells us there is a quid pro quo here along with the new “transparency” (seer stones). Me thinks they’re up to something.
Without the LDS religion to hide behind and give them the warm fuzzies they will have to face up to their own hypocrisy and pridefulness…