With a membership of more than three million in 135 countries and territories and a heritage of 150 years, the Relief Society, the women's auxiliary of the LDS Church, is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world. As such, it deserves a thoughtful, scholarly look at its history, and that is what Derr, Cannon and Beecher provide in "Women of Covenant."
They admit up front that this history is written by insiders. All three are practicing members of the LDS Church, and all three have had working experience inside the organization. But that doesn't mean they dodge controversial issues such as polygamy or the ERA."This is not the story of perfect women, but it is nonetheless the story of `holy women,' as spoken of by ancient apostles Peter and Paul. Relief Society sisters have tried, erred, repented, rebelled, accepted, adapted, felt pain and known joy. This is their story, the story of imperfect Saints seeking holiness, changing responsibilities and eternal covenants."
One of the things the book does well is provide perspective, setting the women's organization into the context of both the church and society.
In the 19th century, the authors note, benevolence, which had once consisted of individual neighborly aid, became, as one historian noted, "a collective process, encouraging bonds of sisterhood at all levels of organized operations, in local, regional, state and national activities." All over the country, female benevolent societies met weekly, collected donations, sponsored missionary activities.
It was into this atmosphere that the Relief Society was born. And while it did many of these same things, its association with the priesthood organizations of the church gave it a somewhat different status as well - and something that changed and evolved over the years. What began as a fairly independent organization, providing its own funding and meeting halls, eventually became a church auxiliary, with no less importance, but slightly different focus.
Chapters of the book correspond with the administrations of Relief Society presidents, from Emma Hale Smith to the current Elaine Jack, with Eliza R. Snow, Zina D.H. Young, Emmeline B. Wells, Belle Spafford, Barbara Smith and others in between. Remarkable women, all. The voices of other sisters are heard as well; journals, letters and other works are quoted throughout. A few pictures are included, which provide a telling look at the women and their activities. (A portrait gallery of the 12 presidents would have been nice, although they all are represented in other pictures.)
Throughout its history, the Relief Society has been true to its motto, "Charity Never Faileth." A hundred and fifty years of dedicated service is deserving of more than superficial treatment, and the depth and breadth found here provides a well-rounded look at the organization - and more. The story of the Relief Society is essentially the story of women in the church, a part of history that is sometimes overlooked. "Women of Covenant" is well-researched, readable and adds an important dimension to our study of both the past and the present.