Is there such thing as a female General Authority?

Yes, and no. Typical, I know.

Yes, in the sense that all General Auxiliary Board members are authorities in a general organization; no, in the sense that only Seventies and Apostles are considered “General Authorities” as an official title.

Personally, I have said publicly that Sister Okazaki is one of my favorite all-time general authorities on more than one occasion – and I haven’t been corrected yet. I know there are PLENTY of members who would correct that statement, but I firmly believe most either would agree, not care, not think about it or ignore it as not worth correcting.

That just sounds really petty to me, deliberately pointing out that women are inferior. That’s just my opinion. Being male apparently gives one’s words a weight that being female never can.

…wake-up hymn…

Lol

I’ve heard it said as both General Authorities and General Officers. Is there a difference? And when did GA become a title? There’s got to be some history on it.

I’ve always considered the general RS, YM, and Primary presidencies as general authorities. I don’t think “General Authority” is a technical term officially defined anywhere although I could be wrong about that. I know many people who think they are GAs. Likewise I’ve also always considered the general Sunday School, YM, and presiding bishopric as GAs. Incorrect?? I don’t know.

General Authorities are priesthood holders. Before any of you jump on me for being some kind of mysoginistic hater, let me point out that I’m not the author of the term. I’m just ‘splainin’ how it is. A Priest in your ward can baptize, but he has to have permission from the “local authority” (the Bishop). One Bishop’s permission does not give the Priest authorization to baptize in another ward. The Priest would have to have authorization from THAT Bishop. The term General Authority simply means that they have priesthood responsibility and keys that span across ward or stake boundaries. Note that an “Area Authority” only has that ability within their designated area. So, a GA can organize (authority) a stake presidency, branch presidency, deacon’s quorum presidency, anywhere in the world… (general).

I believe it is useful to be clear and exact when we use these terms. There is a very real and important question about whether women should be able to be ordained to the priesthood. There is a related question about how the Church, whether women are ordained or not, can reduce gender role designations and develop a 21st century approach to equality. These questions are both HELPED by an understanding and acknowledgement that women cannot be in general authority roles, because that fact helps beg the question. In other words, I find it useful not to get into an argument of words, which masks the argument of principles. Women cannot be general authorities. That is an elephant in the room. Seeing the elephant clearly is the best way to keep the question on everyone’s mind.

General Authorities are priesthood holders. Before any of you jump on me for being some kind of mysoginistic hater, let me point out that I’m not the author of the term. I’m just ‘splainin’ how it is. A Priest in your ward can baptize, but he has to have permission from the “local authority” (the Bishop). One Bishop’s permission does not give the Priest authorization to baptize in another ward. The Priest would have to have authorization from THAT Bishop. The term General Authority simply means that they have priesthood responsibility and keys that span across ward or stake boundaries. Note that an “Area Authority” only has that ability within their designated area. So, a GA can organize (authority) a stake presidency, branch presidency, deacon’s quorum presidency, anywhere in the world… (general).

I believe it is useful to be clear and exact when we use these terms. There is a very real and important question about whether women should be able to be ordained to the priesthood. There is a related question about how the Church, whether women are ordained or not, can reduce gender role designations and develop a 21st century approach to equality. These questions are both HELPED by an understanding and acknowledgement that women cannot be in general authority roles, because that fact helps beg the question. In other words, I find it useful not to get into an argument of words, which masks the argument of principles. Women cannot be general authorities. That is an elephant in the room. Seeing the elephant clearly is the best way to keep the question on everyone’s mind.

I guess my question is, where is it codified that General Authority = priesthood holder? It’s not laid out as one of the offices of the PH in the D&C. Is it in Handbook I, Mormon Doctrine, or is it part of the unwritten order of things?

I’ve always assumed that ‘general officers’ means those who sit on a board. So the General RSP would be a GA, and a member of the RS Board would be a General Officer. But who knows. It’s one of the many terms we like to use in this church without clearly defining (officially) what they mean.

I guess my question is, where is it codified that General Authority = priesthood holder? It’s not laid out as one of the offices of the PH in the D&C. Is it in Handbook I, Mormon Doctrine, or is it part of the unwritten order of things?

I’ve always assumed that ‘general officers’ means those who sit on a board. So the General RSP would be a GA, and a member of the RS Board would be a General Officer. But who knows. It’s one of the many terms we like to use in this church without clearly defining (officially) what they mean.

How about lds.org: https://www.lds.org/topics/church-organization/how-the-church-is-organized?lang=eng