In this bonus episode, Susan and Cynthia discuss new thoughts and old frustrations around a previous conversation from Episode 35 about church callings and priesthood authority. What is changing when it comes to organizational roles for Latter-day Saint women, and what hasn’t changed at all? Is there movement toward greater equality in our church opportunities and experiences? Are women getting any closer to finally being “in the room where it happens?”

Notes & Quotes:
ALSSI Episode 35: Where’s the Priesthood in That?
Russell M. Nelson’s first press conference as prophet, 1/16/2018 (Peggy Fletcher Stack’s question begins at 18:15)
The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood, by Dallin H. Oaks, 4/2014

“We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties.” — Dallin H. Oaks