The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints/Priesthood

The "Holy Priesthood" of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has two levels of Priesthood conferred upon male members who have kept with basic tenets of faith when they have reached a certain age. These levels are the Aaronic and Melchezidic Priesthoods. The members of this church claim to be able to trace their Priesthood authority back to Jesus, as they believe that Joseph Smith and some of his followers received the Priesthood from the Apostles of Christ in the form of angels. Joseph Smith and the early members of this faith then bestowed the Priesthood upon the new members who followed suit, creating a chain that links continues to this day. It is important to note that it is believed that any power is revoked so long as the member is unfaithful. The belief that God will act through you, so long as your intentions are in line with his teachings, is also considered paramount to the actual success of any miracle or blessing that is to be brought by the use of these Priesthoods.

The Aaronic Priesthood is believed to be the same priesthood bestowed upon Aaron in the Old Testament, and begins to be conferred upon faithful, baptized male members as starting at the age of twelve or older. This Priesthood is believed to give them the authority to pass, and bless the Sacrament (known as communion to other Christians) which is held using bread and water. Along with authority to conduct the sacrament, the Aaronic priesthood grants the authority to baptize, and to minister to others by power of the Holy Ghost.

The Melchizedek Priesthood is believed to be that of another Old Testament prophet, Melchizedek. This Priesthood is believed to grant the power to bless others, never ones self, and is conferred upon baptized young men that are judged worthy at the age of 18 or later.

In this religion the word blessing is used to indicate things ranging from health to simple feelings of comfort. Followers of this faith believe that, for example, even things such as cancer can be alleviated through blessings. To avoid confusion, it is important to mention that this church strongly advises its members to also seek any and all available medical services that apply to any health condition as modern medicine is considered something that is a tool that they are expected to use and something that is inspired by God.

On the subject of women and the Priesthood, it is said that the Priesthood is only given to men because it is primarily a tool for service, and the women are meant to provide other more important roles, such as the role of teacher. However, members believe that women also receive the benefits of being worthy of the priesthood if they meet the same standards. In other words, women may not receive an official ordination to a priesthood office, but they can receive the same gifts that men can through being worthy and keeping their covenants.