Church History Matters 198 - Evolution of Women Doing Healing Rituals | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Mar 31, 2026
A lively dive into 19th-century women performing healing rituals, from Relief Society leaders to home prayer circles. They trace how definitions of authority and priesthood shifted practices and led to formal manuals. The conversation explores temple reforms, medical and cultural changes, and the lingering traces of female-led healing in family and faith life.
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Priesthood Reform Centralized Healing Authority
- The priesthood reform movement centralized authority and codified procedures, shifting healing toward male priesthood administration.
- Joseph F. Smith's push to place priesthood
Manuals Replaced Informal Female Healing Rituals
- Written manuals and handbooks standardized priesthood blessings and replaced informal female-led rituals.
- Early 20th century immigration limits and international growth increased the need for codified procedures for missionaries and distant congregations.
Language Shift From Right To Privilege Changed Practice
- Official statements began to call women's healing a 'privilege' rather than a 'right,' making it revocable.
- The 1908 First Presidency circular and Martha Tingey's 1911 defense show simultaneous endorsement and growing qualification.