In the article on the Ordain Women organization and its activities [“Restoring the Priesthood,” Oct. 3, City Weekly], they quote Joseph Smith as saying Emma and her counselors were “ordained” to their positions in the Relief Society. Today, we call that being set apart to a calling. There is no indication in the Bible or the Book of Mormon that women ever held the priesthood, or that there was any need for them to hold it.

As for women attending priesthood meetings: Why? Just as women are taught the gospel in Relief Society, men are taught the gospel in priesthood meeting. Priesthood talks are readily available in the Ensign every conference, and if the women are sincerely interested in what has been taught in priesthood meeting, they have every opportunity to study, ponder and pray about what they read.

As for giving blessings, every woman has the power to fast and pray for anyone—as I have done many times. Talk about wasted effort in these efforts for women to have the priesthood.

HELEN M. SIMPER
Taylorsville