Dr. Margaret Toscano describes an answer to prayer, in which she found historical records describing Joseph Smith starting the Relief Society and organizing the women as a quorum of priestesses.  She describes how Joseph Smith’s theology of priesthood are larger than we have today.  We also discuss the Community of Christ revelation in 1984 in which women were ordained, just like the men.  Is that what Joseph Smith had in mind?

GT:  Do you think that Joseph would have advocated for women to be ordained as a Priest, Teacher, Deacon, Elder, Apostle, Bishop? Is that what his plan was?
Margaret:  I mean, who knows? I think that his theology justifies that.  I want to go back to the Relief Society. So in those speeches in Nauvoo, he told the women that he wanted the Relief Society organized according to the order of the ancient priesthood, and that their organization was a priesthood organization, they were essential for the church being in the right order. The church could not be in the right order without the Relief Society as a priesthood organization. I think he says that clearly. I mean, you can always argue whether it’s clear or not. But that’s my interpretation.
Check out our conversation….
Don’t miss our other episodes with Margaret!
371: Why LDS Leaders Don’t Like Popular Speakers
370: Charismatic, Ecclesiastical, & Messianic Priesthood
369: Theological Case for Women & Priesthood
368: An Excommunicated Believer
367: Feminist Awakening at BYU
366: Toscano: From BYU to Utah