Dear Gramps, A couple of months ago in priesthood a member of the quorum stated that Australian Aborigines were excluded from holding the Priesthood until the 30th of September 1978 when the then Prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, declared that all worthy male members of the church may be ordained to the priesthood. (I hope you can answer this, as the BoM answer man couldn't.) Thanks, Jay [answer]

Dear Gramps, Is there anywhere I can read about the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood? It is my understanding that it occurred 5-30-1829. When Joseph and Oliver were released or escaped from prison, and some mob was chasing after them they were exhausted, and Oliver being weaker, collapsed. Joseph tried to carry him until he couldn’t go any further and fell down carrying Oliver. That is when the devil appeared as an angel of light and tried to destroy them. Then Peter, James and John appeared to dispense the adversary by priesthood power. This is when they ordained them and showed them how to dismiss Satan. Do you know of any material to read? Thanks. Rog, California [answer]

Dear Gramps, I have a question  that I wish someone could answer satisfactorily. I have asked this question since I was 16. I am the only member of the church on my mother's side. I often get the heat from them for belonging to a cult, but we also exchange our beliefs. The one thing I am having a hard time explaining to them is the power of the Priesthood. I tell them it is the only authority on earth to use the power of God. I tell them it is to heal and comfort. They all explain to me that prayer does the same thing, and that millions are healed because of prayer, so what do you need the Priesthood for? Can you help me know what to explain to them? Thanks, Sheila, Alberta Canada [answer]

Dear Gramps, When John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, one of the very few instructions he gave on that priesthood was that it "holds the keys of the ministering of angels..." As one who grew up in the Church and as an adult worked in the Aaronic Priesthood quorums as instructors, I have noticed that there is very little, if any, instructions given to Aaronic Priesthood holders about using the key to the ministering of angels.  Do you know why this is true?  Or is it just me? Kurious in Korea [answer]

Dear Gramps, I sometimes wonder, how come in the time of Christ were there more than one set of apostles called and why there is only THE twelve today.  What I mean is that Jesus called his apostles, those who ministered with him and then when he was resurrected and visited the Americas, he called another twelve apostles to minister unto the people there (unless I'm reading it wrong).  Also, was there a possibility that he called others in other lands?  Hope you can shed some insight as no one is quite sure. Many thanks, C.A. Smith [answer]

Dear Gramps, Found your web site from Mormon town site and love the idea. Since both of my grandpas are dead, I hope you might help. What is a good explanation for non-members about women not holding the priesthood in our Church? Thanks in advance for your time and wisdom. Regards, Russ in NJ [answer]

Dear Gramps, Can you give me a good explanation of "keys" as in "priesthood keys?” Derek, from Orem, Utah [answer]