0:00 Title Sequence 0:58 Intro - Women & Priesthood with Guest Host Lisa Olsen Tait 6:25 Focused plan for this series 10:34 Questions this series will address 16:06 “Joseph Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temples, and Women” 20:26 Key Ideas in the Essay 24:29 The Relief Society Organized in the order of the Priesthood 30:31 Do women hold priesthood? Scott’s response 35:00 Do women hold priesthood? Lisa’s response 39:30 The Complexity of Terminology 42:10 Male Headship Explained 47:30 Addressing uncomfortable topics 51:31 Topics for future episodes 54:55 Conclusion - Why choose this topic? This week on Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths kick off an important new series exploring women and the priesthood, joined by cohost Lisa Olsen Tait, a respected scholar of Latter-day Saint women’s history. In this opening episode, the team lays a thoughtful historical foundation—examining how women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have understood, accessed, and spoken about priesthood power from the 19th century to today. Drawing on original documents, sermons, Relief Society minutes, and lived experience, they explore how Mormon women have been taught about priesthood authority, temple covenants, healing blessings, and spiritual gifts across generations. With clarity and optimism, Scott, Casey, and Lisa frame the discussion around a powerful truth: women have always had a vital and meaningful connection to the priesthood of God. Rather than focusing solely on policy questions, this series seeks to illuminate doctrine, covenant relationships, and the ways Latter-day Saint women participate in and access priesthood power in their homes, congregations, and temples. This is the first episode in a multi-part series that promises historical depth, faithful scholarship, and a hopeful exploration of how priesthood power blesses the entire covenant community.