HANDBOOK: “Witnesses of a Baptism: Two priests or Melchizedek Priesthood holders witness each baptism to make sure it is performed properly. The baptism must be repeated if the words are not spoken exactly as given in Doctrine and Covenants 20:73 or if part of the person’s body or clothing is not immersed completely.” –Church Handbook of Instruction 2, Section 20.3.7. [source]
COMMENTARY: Little rules like this are founded in patriarchy and misogyny. A penis is not required to watch and verify an activity. A penis is not required to memorize a few words of a sacred ritual. So why are Mormon women shunted aside even in these small activities that could nevertheless be meaningful to them? The church leaders assure us that they are not sexist, that women are equal to men in the eyes of God. Why not start to prove it by removing small restrictions like this? I think that would be a positive step forward. But what do I know? I’m just another apostate.
