The church is a hierarchy led by the priesthood. To receive the priesthood you must be male. The Proclamation says of men: “By divine design fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible for providing the necessities of life and protection for their families” (lds.org). The word preside means to have authority over something, in this case the family. Because the church is a family simile, almost all leaders are men. The only general leadership positions held by women are in individual youth and children's organizations and in Relief Society, the primary women's organization in the church. When the Proclamation talks about mothers it says: “Mothers are primarily responsible for the raising of their children” (lds.org). For many this is a negative statement and constitutes a point of opposition from feminist groups. To this day, the gender roles of men and women continue to be debated in the Mormon church and society. In 1870, Utah women gained the right to vote; this was 50 years before the rest of the United States (Bushman 112). Later revoked in 1887, when all citizens of Utah were disenfranchised by the U.S. government during its crackdown on polygamy (112). This and the fact that Utah had a high rate of female first doctors and that women of the time were encouraged to work for a fee (112). This led people to believe that perhaps the church was once more responsive to women who worked outside. of the house. Brigham Young, the second president of the church, once said, “We believe that women are useful not only for sweeping houses, washing dishes, making beds, and raising children, but should be behind the counter, studying law or physics , or become good accountants. and......in the center of the sheet......rch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Np, nd Web. November 3, 2011. “Church Growth – LDS Newsroom.” Church News | Mormon News - Official newsroom of the Church. Np, nd Web. Nov. 13, 2011. “Matthew 16:19.” The Holy Bible authorized the King James Version, translated from the original languages ​​and with previous translations diligently compared and revised, by special command of His Majesty.. [Family Heritage ed. American Fork, Utah: Covenant Communications, 2005. 1216. Print."Official Statement-1." The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ; The doctrine and covenants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; The pearl of great price. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981. 292. Print.