Mormon doctrine teaches that the “priesthood” is the authority to act in God’s name. The priesthood held by the male members of the Mormon Church is the same priesthood that was given to the apostles in the original Church established by Christ. On May 15, 1829, the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed about baptism. John the Baptist appeared to him and ordained him and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic priesthood. A short time later, Christ’s apostles Peter, James, and John appeared to both men and gave them the Melchizedek priesthood. It was necessary that the priesthood be restored in this way, because there had been a great apostasy and the true authority to act in God’s name had been lost.In the Mormon Church all male members who are worthy, receive the priesthood. This gives them the authority to lead and serve. The priesthood is made up of two types, the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. The Aaronic priesthood is the lesser priesthood referred to in the Bible in Hebrews 7:11-12. There are four offices in the Aaronic Priesthood; Deacon, Teacher, Priest and Bishop. Young men are ordained as deacons at twelve years old, as teachers at fourteen years old, and as priests at sixteen years old. The Aaronic priesthood restored to the earth the authority to preach repentance in God’s name and the ability to baptize. The Melchizedek priesthood is referred to as the “high priesthood of the holy order of God” 1 in the scriptures, or simply as the “high priesthood”. In the Mormon Church, the Melchizedek Priesthood is usually given to worthy members 18 years and older who have been members of the Church for over one year. There are five offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood; Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Seventy and Apostle; these offices are given following this order. This priesthood restored to the earth the authority to organize and administer Christ’s Church, and the authority to carry out temple ordinances.Female members of the Mormon Church do not hold the priesthood, but serve in leadership positions and attend leadership meetings and help make decisions. There are three organizations in the Mormon Church where women make up the presidency and lead, the Relief Society, the Young Women organization, and the Primary. There is a worldwide presidency for each organization as well as local level presidencies. Women of the Church also can serve as teachers, missionaries, temple workers, and in many other capacities. The Mormon Church in no way supports the idea that men holding the priesthood makes them better than women. President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley has said, “The men hold the priesthood, yes. But my wife is my companion. In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are co-equals in this life in a great enterprise.”2
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