This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It took me 24 hours to process what I read in Sunday's Tribune in the article written by Peggy Fletcher Stack regarding "LDS feminists may find hint of change in subtle wording." I was very uncomfortable about her reading secret messages into a talk given by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf at the LDS General Women's Meeting. She believes subtle wording was used in his addressing his audience "that may indicate" a difference in attitude of church leaders regarding the value and status of LDS sisters.
Keep in mind this is her own personal opinion, yet she uses it to try to "stir the waters of hope for feminists."
Now, I heard the entire talk by Elder Uchtdorf and I did not come away with the same startling news! He told the sisters, young and old, how loved they are, and admired, and needed. He called the sisters blessed disciples (of Jesus Christ). Now if you attend a local LDS Ward on a regular basis and read the LDS scriptures, and read church magazines, you will find that every member of the LDS Church is reminded on a consistent basis that if we are keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ, we are his blessed disciples, all of us, all of the time. Nothing startling or new!
If the church wants to change anything, they will announce it clearly to one and all that all may be edified. The church does not hint nor send coded messages nor hide secret text. The church does not encourage nor support innuendo!
Mary K. Hammond
West Jordan