Why do only men hold the priesthood?

Why do only men hold priesthood offices?

Because that’s how Heavenly Father has revealed that His kingdom should be organized. President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, has taught, “The Lord has directed that only men will be ordained to offices in the priesthood.”7

Many have theorized about why, but the Lord has not revealed this. We do know, however, that God loves His children (see 1 Nephi 11:17) and desires to bless us and have us return to Him. As President M. Russell Ballard has said, “This matter, like many others, comes down to our faith. Do we believe that this is the Lord’s Church? Do we believe that He has organized it according to His purposes and wisdom? Do we believe that His wisdom far exceeds ours? Do we believe that He has organized His Church in a manner that would be the greatest possible blessing to all of His children, both His sons and His daughters?”8

7 Dallin H. Oaks, “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Liahona, May 2014, 51.

8 M. Russell Ballard, “Men and Women and Priesthood Power” Liahona, Sept. 2014, 35.