Priesthood for men

Re "Mormon women at U. event: We'll press forward for priesthood" (Tribune, April 7):

Why do Mormon women need the priesthood? Traditionally, the priesthood represents a rite of passage for men that was created to mimic rites of passage that naturally occur for women.

In Mormonism, boys receive the Aaronic priesthood at the same age that girls reach menarche (womanhood). Young men receive the Melchizedek priesthood near the same age that most young women achieve motherhood.

Women, who are more spiritual in nature, are given the physical challenge of childbirth. Men, who are more physical in nature, are given the spiritual challenge of humanity's spiritual rebirth through priesthood ordinances.

When married, male and female are to become one and strengthen each other's weakness. Why would women disdain the feminine and desire something that was created to help boys achieve manhood?

The true crime against the feminine is that our sick society values only the worst masculine traits (power and possession) and does not value the feminine intangibles that make the world beautiful and life worth living.

Jon Montgomery

Herriman