Posted in 2003
Now I must speak directly to some of those who are in special circumstances with relation to their beliefs and their physical existence. These special circumstances exist for a variety of reasons, but they all exhibit a similar symptom: disfranchisement.
To be disfranchised in a general sense is to have been denied something. The groups to whom I must directly speak messages about Reform Mormonism have, for various reasons, been denied experiences of both Mormonism and, in the case of some, society at large. They are familiar with the results of this denial, and in some cases their pain has been greatly compounded by the unsolicited official withdrawal of their church from their lives. Many may have left the LDS faith of their own volition as a result of these circumstances.
As Reform Mormons, we are in disagreement with the LDS faith that a church should withdraw itself from a person for any reason, and we have discussed already some of the reasons why. But for those in the special circumstances discussed below, a distinct message must be sent that allows them to understand the Reform Mormon position relative to their circumstance. Everyone interested in Reform Mormonism should have an interest in what is said to these people, since God exists in everyone, and God is engaged in restoring to these people that which has been denied them.
To women currently or formerly members of the LDS faith:
You have known intense religious pressure to conform your life and your life’s objectives to a predetermined pattern, one that does not necessarily take into consideration that which you want to pursue in your life, but one that is predictable and comfortable for others. You have seen your religious organization use your financial contributions to pursue political activities designed to insure that you are not treated equally under the law. You have been denied the recognition of ecclesiastical title and privileges. In years past you were subjected to the humiliation of your religion sanctioning your husband’s “right” to marry another person while still married to you.
All this you have endured and yet you have held your faith, or held it as long as you could bear, and sought the understanding of God to help resolve the unfairness and lack of respect that your religion has asked you to shoulder. This has not been easy for you to do. You have suffered through the hurt and fear that this has brought to you rather than speak up against or fight the unfairness, and thereby risk your religion and the things it has promised you. That you have endured so much is remarkable; you deserve great acknowledgement for this.
I have a special message for you, and in the message is a great truth: you do not have to give up your religion in order to receive the respect you deserve and resolve the unfairness placed in your way. You never have to do that.
As Reform Mormons, all of your religious beliefs are maintained, and no one can ever take them away from you. You are encouraged to pursue the path in life that you and God work out. Reform Mormonism does not engage in political activity, viewing this an inappropriate function of a religion – but we support your right to be treated equally under the law, as all of God’s children should be, and we consider you equal.
Whether or not you realize it, you possess the priesthood of God and all of the keys required to act with it – right now. It has lain dormant within you since your birth; but you have known it was there, all the time. You have been asked to pretend that you do not possess this, but that pretense is no longer necessary. You are free to use this power. You are free to explore it and discover what the men in your faith have known for so many years. You do not have to experience this power vicariously through a man, as you have been taught – you are a child of God, and entitled to experience it directly, yourself, with no intermediary.
You have also been told that there are certain titles that you cannot hold – but this is not true. There is not any title that you cannot hold! This, also, you know to be true, and you have known from birth; you are now coming to realize that you, too, are entitled – you, too, have a birthright and opportunity. It is the same birthright, it is the same entitlement. You were never without these things, though you were asked to pretend that you could not have them. But the charade has now ended; you are now aware of your power. You do not need to receive further approval from anyone in order to use this power; you do not need to receive permission. Your freedom and sanction to use this power comes from God directly to you. Learn to use this power, and act. You do not have to hide this power any longer simply because others are afraid of it, or do not want you to have it; you are now free to wield the priesthood of God. Will you not take on this mantle, this birthright, and fulfill what God has in store for you?