Mormon Essay Address History of Women in the Priesthood

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon Church is issuing a new essay addressing the sensitive topic of women in the priesthood, clarifying that although women were allowed to give healing blessings in the early days they were never allowed to be priesthood holders.

The article, posted online Friday, comes during a time when some women in the faith are pushing for the ordination of women. An accompanying article also posted online Friday says that religion's belief in the Heavenly Mother is a cherished one. The essays complete a series of 13 articles published in the last two years addressing sensitive aspects of the religion's doctrine or history.

The series is part of a larger push by the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for transparency over secrecy when it comes to its history and beliefs.