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Authority Quote by Brigham Young

“The Second Way in which a wife can be separated from her husband, while he continues to be faithful to his God and his priesthood, I have not revealed, except to a few persons in this Church; and a few have received it from Joseph the prophet as well as myself. If a woman can find a man holding…” quote by Brigham Young
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“The Second Way in which a wife can be separated from her husband, while he continues to be faithful to his God and his priesthood, I have not revealed, except to a few persons in this Church; and a few have received it from Joseph the prophet as well as myself. If a woman can find a man holding the keys of the priesthood with higher power and authority than her husband, and he is disposed to take her he can do so, otherwise she has got to remain where she is... there is no need for a bill of divorcement... To recapitulate.”

Brigham Young

About This Quote

Source Speech: LDS Church discourse, 19th century, null

Describes a secret marital separation method involving priesthood authority, implying women can leave husbands without formal divorce if a higher priestly figure intervenes.

In simple terms: Women may leave husbands via priesthood authority without divorce paperwork.

Key Takeaway

Seek spiritual guidance before making marital decisions.

Themes

marriage religion authority gender roles

Mood

controversial reflective

Type

doctrinal historical

When to use this quote

  • polygamous community
  • church leadership
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

LDS doctrine priesthood power divorce law

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is spiritual authority sufficient for marital dissolution?
  • How does this affect women's rights?
A Different Perspective

Legal marriage may still be required in civil contexts.

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