Russell M. Nelson on the crucial role of women in today's Church

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"Thirty-six years ago, in 1979, President Spencer W. Kimball made a profound prophecy about the impact that covenant-keeping women would have on the future of the Lord's Church. He prophesied: 'Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world... will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different--in happy ways--from the women of the world.' (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 222–23.)

"My dear sisters, you who are our vital associates during this winding-up scene, the day that President Kimball foresaw is today. You are the women he foresaw! Your virtue, light, love, knowledge, courage, character, faith, and righteous lives will draw good women of the world, along with their families, to the Church in unprecedented numbers!

"We, your brethren, need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices. The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God!...

"Today, let me add that we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world. We need women who are devoted to shepherding God's children along the covenant path toward exaltation; women who know how to receive personal revelation, who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment; women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families; women who teach fearlessly."

- Russell M. Nelson, "A Plea to My Sisters," General Conference, October 2015, Sunday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

President Nelson's talk in the October 2015 conference was a beautiful and inspiring tribute to the women of the Church, and a challenge for them to rise to their potential. This classic "profound prophecy" from President Kimball sets a good context:

President Nelson testifies that the day President Kimball foresaw has arrived, and encouraged today's women to see it realized, while he encouraged the men in the Church to acknowledge and draw from the blessing of counsel and insight that comes from the sisters in the kingdom.  What a beautiful reminder to us all!

President Nelson includes his own gentle call to action, encouraging modern-day women to rise up to this call from the Lord: