Separate But Equal

The Family: A Proclamation to the World clearly defines marriage and the roles of men and women, husband and wife.  “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.  Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.  In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.”  The Lord has made it quite clear that husbands and wives are equally important in the roles that are theirs.  “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:11).

  In his book,” Counseling with our Councils,” Elder M. Russell Ballard pointed out that "Most of what men and women must do to qualify for an exalted family life together is based on shared responsibilities and objectives.  Many of the requirements are exactly the same for men and women." (Such as obedience to the laws of God, requirements for entrance into the temple, and, through temple covenants are "clothed with power", praying with the ability to obtain personal revelation for their own spiritual benefit).  To me he is emphasizing the fact that, although men and women are different, we are equal to God in our importance and in the specific and separate roles we hold.  Husband and wife create a "divinely sanctioned partnership" by "work[ing] together, each bringing his or her unique contribution to the family...By appointing different accountabilities to men and women, Heavenly Father provides the greatest opportunity for growth, service and progress."  This is the Lord's plan, the Lord's way and as Elder Ballard further states, "the only thing that matters is whether or not we choose to accept the doctrine of the Priesthood and abide by its precepts.  It is an issue of faith-nothing more, nothing less."