“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 (“The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” April 2014)
“Our Church doctrine places women equal to and yet different
from men. God does not regard either gender as better or more important than
the other. …When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the
same power, which is priesthood power. … Access to the power and the blessings
of the priesthood is available to all of God’s children.” – M. Russell Ballard
