An Equal Partnership

"Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners". ~ The Family: A Proclamation to the World

To the world, the sate of being equal means being the same; having the same privileges and access to opportunities in relation to freedom, education, career and other rights. However, equality does not mean sameness. I liken the meaning of equality to the balance of power between the United States' three branches. They each have their own separate role and duty in the protection and guiding of the country but they also must work together in order for the best decision to be made for the people. Husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, both have their own divine role to play in Heavenly Father's eternal plan. The husband is not domineering over his family nor is the wife submissive, they are interdependent with each other. Spouses are supposed to be 'equally yoked' together so that they are supporting each other, not one taking all the burden and responsibility. "There is not a president and vice president in the family." ~ Elder L. Tom Perry (Successful Marriages and Families, 4-41)

"Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: Men and women, though spiritually equal, are entrusted with different but equally significant roles. … Men are given stewardship over the sacred ordinances of the priesthood. To women, God gives stewardship over bestowing and nurturing mortal life, including providing physical bodies for God’s spirit children and guiding those children toward a knowledge of gospel truths. These stewardships, equally sacred and important, do not involve any false ideas about domination or subordination."