Notable quotes:
“When women and men work together we accomplish a great deal more than we do working separately. Our roles are complementary rather than competitive.” “Becoming more in tune with the divine pattern of working together in unity is critical in this day of ‘me-first’ messages that surround us.” “We can actively work to value women as God does: as essential partners in the work of salvation and exaltation.” Summary points:
- Over time, Satan has worked to distort the truth that men and women are equal partners in God’s plan.
- Women and men have essential, unique and interdependent responsibilities appointed by God, and both women and men act with priesthood authority in their callings.
- When women and men work and counsel together and strive for unity, they make more inspired decisions.
Talk summary:
When Adam and Eve entered mortality, they learned to counsel and work together, teaching their children gospel principles and accomplishing God’s work for them in partnership.
Over time, Satan has largely succeeded in dividing men and women, pitting them against one another and enticing them to make comparisons rather than build unity. This division destroys families and creates confusion about individuals’ divine purpose and identity.
As Satan devalued women’s contributions to the family and society, women became subservient to men in many societies, which reduced their influence for good and slowed spiritual progress.
The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which began with Joseph Smith’s First Vision in 1820, has shined light on the truth that women and men are equal partners in God’s plan. God gives priesthood authority to both men and women as they labor together to accomplish His work.
The Relief Society is a unique organization because it operates under the priesthood authority of God, giving women the power necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. Men also receive this power as they serve in the Church under priesthood authority.
President Russell M. Nelson has cited Lucy and Emma Smith as examples of women who played vital roles in the Restoration. Emma served as a scribe to her husband Joseph while he translated the Book of Mormon, and Lucy set an example of prayer and faith as his mother. Men and women today can engage in the same kind of partnership, like riding a tandem bicycle and learning to support one another as they progress toward mutual goals.
Achieving unity between men and women will not happen on its own — it requires effort to counsel together — but the resulting decisions will be more inspired. Both women and men must see each other as true partners in order to experience the joy and unity God intends for His children.
In the news:
- In early March, Sister Jean B. Bingham, along with her counselors in the Relief Society general presidency, emphasized the importance of President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to women from the October 2019 general conference.
- In February, Sister Bingham made a visit to the Philippines to learn about a local pilot nutrition program developed by members of the Church.
- While visiting the Philippines in February, Sister Bingham shared what she learned about the importance of one-to-one ministering.
- Sister Bingham visited Latter-day Saints in Mexico prior to Christmas in December 2019 and learned about the blessings that come from dedicated temple work.
- Speaking at a BYU campus devotional in December 2019, Sister Bingham shared 5 keys for being happy and keeping an eternal perspective.
- In November 2019, Sister Bingham helped kick off the Church History Museum’s Sisters for Suffrage: How Utah Women Won the Vote exhibit, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of women in Utah earning the right to vote.
- After visiting Latter-day Saints in Central America in September 2019, Sister Bingham and other general officers of the Church shared what they had learned about the importance of the temple.
- In June 2019, Sister Bingham took a trip to Sierra Leone to witness the effects of a unique gospel literacy program in helping members to become more self-reliant in their gospel learning.
- Helping to highlight World Refugee Day and a more than 30-year partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sister Bingham participated in a UNHCR video for World Refugee Awareness Month in 2019.
- Speaking at the BYU Women’s Conference in May 2019, Sister Bingham and her counselors in the Relief Society general presidency spoke about four key questions women have about the priesthood.
- Sister Bingham joined Sister Bonnie H. Cordon and Sister Joy D. Jones for a Face to Face event on May 3, 2019, where they addressed questions about belonging, doubt and inadequacy.
About the speaker:
- Sister Jean B. Bingham has served as the general president of the Relief Society since April 1, 2017.
- She has a master’s degree in education with which she has taught children and adults English as a second language, including immigrants and refugees.
- She met her husband, Bruce Bingham, at BYU, and they were married in 1972 in the Provo Utah Temple. They have five children of their own and have fostered several children who have become part of their family.
Recently on Social:
- In a March 28 Facebook post, Sister Jean B. Bingham welcomed home the many missionaries returning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Your safety is important, and we are grateful for your return,” she wrote.
- Sister Bingham commemorated the 178th anniversary of the Relief Society on March 17 by posting her thoughts along with a Church-produced video on Facebook.
- “Have you ever met someone who impressed you so much that you wanted to be a better person?” Sister Bingham asked in an Oct. 22, 2019, Facebook post. Sharing her experience meeting Astrid S. Tuminez, president of Utah Valley University, Sister Bingham highlighted how individuals can learn from one another.
- In an August 29, 2019, Facebook post, Sister Bingham reminded readers of the dangers of comparison. “Despite my imperfections, our Heavenly Father always sees my value, and I promise He sees yours,” she wrote.
