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SALT LAKE CITY — Six million Latter-day Saint women throughout the world will soon receive a new resource book about their church organization, the Relief Society.
The society was organized in 1842, but members have never had their own resource book. Their current president, Sister Julie Beck, says her desire is to send a message about the diversity and strength of Latter-day Saint women.
The book, "Daughters in My Kingdom," represents a first in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The idea for the resource book came from the women leaders of the faith, focusing on their worldwide sisterhood and its history.
"The book begins in Biblical times and the expectation that Christ had for the women and His love and value for women, which I think has been lost to a large extent," Beck said.
Two years in the making, all 6 million women over the age of 18 will receive it as a gift. The book has been published in 26 languages.
Beck hopes the book will help break down misconceptions and help people understand "there is no second tier for the women of the Church, that we are not an asterisk in this Church, or in our theology, or in the world."
Thousands of Latter-day Saint women participated in Education Week on BYU Campus. They are looking forward to the new book.
"I think it's important that, as women, we understand the reason for (Relief Society) and why it was established and how it can influence our lives," said Karen Zollinger, a Latter-day Saint from St. George.
"It's positive. It makes women feel like they are worthwhile in this world, where many times women are made to feel less than who they really are," said Kay Canterbury, also a Latter-day Saint from St. George.
Latter-day Saint women will receive individual copies of the book over the next few weeks. Beck and her two counselors will talk more about the book in their upcoming annual conference on Sept. 24.
Email: cmikita@ksl.com
