A huge thank you to Barbara Morgan Gardner for traveling from Utah to speak at our stake fireside on Sunday, February 2nd, 2020. Sister Gardner is an associate professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University and the author of the book, The Priesthood Power of Women.
Her remarks were focused on helping men and women understand priesthood power, learn more about priesthood keys and priesthood authority, understand what it means to preside in the home, and gain a better understanding of our temple covenants.
Sister Gardner said, “We have the prophet of the Church telling us we don’t understand the priesthood, and we aren’t taking advantage of the privileges that could be ours, both men and women… The doctrine of the priesthood hasn’t changed at all. But the emphasis on women understanding their priesthood power and authority has changed. That’s what’s different.”
President Evanson closed with his testimony of priesthood power. He said, “President Nelson’s message is not only that women exercise that same priesthood authority as men. It’s that our covenants endow us with priesthood power and authority. … Our power in the priesthood—for ourselves, for our families—flows directly from how we live our covenants.”
Sister Gardner also shared a list of talks to study and reminded us of President Nelson’s plea to study Doctrine and Covenants sections 25, 84, and 107. We’ve linked the talks below to make them a little easier to find.
To listen to the full audio from the fireside, click here:
Suggested Resources to Study (with links)
“A Plea to my Sisters” by President Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2015
“Keys and Authority of the Priesthood” by President Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, April 2014
“Let Us Think Straight” by Elder M. Russell Ballard, BYU Education Week, August 2013
“Women of Dedication, Faith, Determination, and Action” by Elder M. Russell Ballard, BYU Women’s Conference, May 2015
“Priesthood: A Sacred Trust to Be Used for the Benefit of Men, Women, and Children” by Linda K. Burton, BYU Women’s Conference, May 2013
“The Vision of Prophets Regarding Relief Society” by Julie B. Beck, General Conference, April 2012
“Rise Up in Strength, Oh Sisters in Zion” by Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Conference, October 2016
“This is a Women’s Church” by Sharon Eubank, FairMormon Conference, August 2014
“Young Women in the Work” by Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Conference, April 2018
“Women and Gospel Learning in the Home” by President Henry B. Eyring, General Conference, October 2018
“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel” by President Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2018
“Endowed With Priesthood Power” by Relief Society General Presidency, BYU Women’s Conference, May 2019
“Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing” by Elder David A. Bednar, General Conference, April 2019
“Spiritual Treasures” by President Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2019