In the Mormon tradition, priesthood represents a sacred responsibility to act on behalf of the community, guiding them toward a deeper connection with the Divine. However, I believe priesthood is not something imparted by a bureaucratic organization; rather, it is embodied through active and effective ministry and grounded in three core pillars: moral authority, spiritual authority, and educational authority. These pillars define a priesthood holder’s ability to lead, serve, and uplift, establishing their role as a bridge between the sacred and the communal. While the ordinance of Ordination has been an important part of community recognition, it’s ultimately about acknowledging a call to ministry that is already there. As part of Ordination, a title is typically given to describe the nature of that ministry.
For many years, I have felt called to be a High Priestess — a minister focused on vision and servant leadership. Those called to this role mentor others within their communities, promote peace, and foster spiritual growth. They support sacramental practices and work to bridge diverse groups while building inclusive communities centered on justice and peacemaking. Within the office of High Priestess, there are several specialized roles, and I have felt drawn specifically to that of Matriarch. Matriarchs, also called Evangelists or Patriarchs, offer spiritual companionship, sanctuary, and revival. They nurture and guide individuals, families, and communities through special blessings that encourage spiritual growth.
Despite this calling, I spent years in churches that wouldn’t recognize my priesthood due to how my family looks, or I was simply too shy to seek recognition within my community. After learning more about how independent Mormons have operated for generations, I decided to ask a friend if he would be open to ordaining me. After a thoughtful conversation, he said he would be honored.
I had officiated this friend’s vow renewal earlier this year, and he and his wife had given me a necklace as a thank you. In return, I decided to give my friend a necklace of the Nauvoo star. This friend has started to explore the pantheon of goddesses, gods, and deities in the heavens, and I explained to him that Mormons have been called Pagan by many Christians due to our recognition of a plurality of gods and how they point at this star as supposed evidence. I have decided to reclaim this symbol and also openly recognize this plurality.
Today, on the equinox and the anniversary of when the Golden Plates were said to be received, while I was surrounded by partners, family, and friends, my call was recognized and I was finally ordained a High Priestess and set apart as a Matriarch. It was a truly special day. ❤
Here is the full transcript of my ordination
Evan (middle and last name), having authority vested in me through the priesthood of Yahweh, and as a High Priest in the Restoration, I lay my hands upon your head and ordain you as a High Priestess and set you apart as a Matriarch, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with this sacred calling.
In so doing, I recognize you in the Wisdom of Asherah and bestow upon you continued connection with Her, Heavenly Mother, as you seek to serve, counsel, nurture, and guide those around you.
On this day of Autumn Equinox, it is a time for reflection, introspection, and gratitude. The light and the dark are in perfect balance. It is a time for accepting the bounty that follows hard work, and for letting go of negative influences that endanger continued growth in the seasons to come.
Also at this time, Evan, I wish to give you a blessing.
You and I have known each other for a little while now, and have been on this faith transition journey. I have always been impressed with your curiosity and with the way that you strive to seek and to learn.
At this time, I feel impressed to tell you that your Heavenly Mother loves you, that She fully accepts you as Her daughter, and that she is excited to see you as you continue to grow.
As you reach out to those who are struggling – who feel pushed aside – and you pull them in, they will feel the love and strength that you have. You will be a blessing to many people as you do this.
I bless you in your personal life, that you will prosper, and that you will continue to develop relationships that are dear to you, so that when the hard times come and you feel discouraged, you will be able to step back and recognize how many people love you and admire you – who want to be part of your circle.
I bless you with the desire to continue to develop this relationship that you feel pulled toward with our Heavenly Mother.
May Asherah bless you and nurture you as she lovingly guides your spirit to a place of peace.
This I say: Amen.
behind me was an altar to Heavenly Mother that I set up.
At the top was my art piece “The Celestial Ceiling”. This piece has design elements from the Brighamites, Strangites, and Josephites, along with entheogenic iconography. It is very full of Mormon symbolism.
On the shelf was a Celestially styled table runner. On top of it I placed three pieces of artwork. The one on the left was “Mother Divine” by Courtney Vander Veur Matz, the one in the center is a piece I commissioned my wife to make for me, and the one on the right is “You ARE Enough” by Lauren Walke. Courtney and Lauren are both associated with Mormonism, making their artwork of Heavenly Mother even more meaningful.
In front of the art pieces are a couple of different items. On the left is the anointing oil that I use, which is a Strangite oil, which means that it glows in the dark. In the middle I have a singing bowl which I use as part of my Endowment ceremony, and below it I have a Nauvoo star. On the right I have my cinnamon whiskey that is used for perfuming with a sticker of the symbols of the priesthood that I made, and the bottle itself is surrounded by a bracelet made of sunstones.
On the shelves were several books. On the top shelf, starting on the left was “The Doctrine and Covenants” of Community of Christ, and I wanted it here because of how Community of Christ helped me rehabilitate Mormonism for myself. In the center was “Hidden Treasures and Promises”, which is a book of scripture of the church that was called “Restoration Church of Jesus Christ”, and I wanted it here because it was the first Mormon scripture where Heavenly Mother spoke. On top of this scripture was a bumper sticker I got from Sunstone this year, which depicts the sphinx from the Gilgal Sculpture Garden. On the right is “The Universal Book of Mormon” from Open Scriptures, and I wanted it here because the Book of Mormon is the text which largely founded and binds together Mormonism.
On the bottom shelf, starting on the left, was a San Pedro cactus, and I wanted it here because it is an entheogen. In the center was “Repicturing the Restoration” by Anthony Sweat, and I wanted it here because I feel the spirit of the book was fitting considering the ordinance being conducted. Lastly was a statue entitled “Amour-Propre”, which translated is “self-love”, this statue is of a transgender woman, and I wanted it here because I have worked hard to learn how to love who I am. In front of the statue was a part of an object lesson from a Unitarian-Universalist service I attended, wherein they asked us to write something on it which brings us joy, and I wrote the name I chose for my new middle name – it wasn’t until hours later that I realized I had been given a white stone with my new name on it.
With this ordination, I also gained a priesthood line of succession through my friend who ordained me. Ordination could be seen as a line of trust among people spanning generations and back into our mythology, and so it is wonderful to be so trusted and connected to my friend in this way.
It was very validating having my call recognized and honoring my tradition in this way. I am so thankful I am able to serve my Mormon community is a High Priestess and a Matriarch!