Advocates for women react to the transition to a new Mormon prophet
President Thomas S. Monson, Elder Russell M. Nelson and other Mormon leaders and their spouses at the Kyiv Ukraine temple dedication in 2010
In this episode of the Religious Feminism interview series, Mormon advocates for women reflect on the legacy of Mormon church president and prophet Thomas S. Monson, who recently passed away, and discuss their expectations, hopes and concerns about the transition to his successor, President Russell M. Nelson. You can find episode notes for the Religious Feminism Podcast here at the Exponent website: http://www.the-exponent.com/tag/religious-feminism-podcast/
Advocates who participated in this podcast:
Carolina Allen
Carolina Allen is the founder of Big Ocean Women, which promotes maternal feminism, defined as having a voice in the the public square for faith, family, and motherhood. Carolina is a native of Brazil and an immigrant to the United States, and participates in international policy issues at the United Nations.
Carol Lynn Pearson
Carol Lynn Pearson is a poet, playwright and author of several books about the concerns of Mormon women and the Mormon LGBTQ community. Her most recent book, The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy: Haunting the Hearts and Heaven of Mormon Women and Men, focuses on the need to address the remnants of polygamy theology and policy that still affect members of the LDS Church, even though the practice was abandoned over a century ago.
Bryndis Roberts
Bryndis Roberts is Chair of the Executive Board of Ordain Women, an activist organization seeking equality and ordination to the priesthood for Mormon women, and one of the founders of FEMWOC: Feminist Women of Color, a forum for feminists, womanists and Mormons of color.
Links to Connect and Learn More:
Carol Lynn Pearson on Facebook
Additional Resources Discussed in the Podcast:
The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy: Haunting the Hearts and Heaven of Mormon Women and Men
A Plea to My Sisters by Russell M. Nelson, 2015
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If the Church of Jesus Christ LDS truly has the Priesthood of God then we best abide by it. If not then there is nothing for women to be ordained to. Either way protesting and advocating is useless or pointless?
To continue is disingenuous and only serves as a way to get attention and seems self serving?
Great conversation with all of these women. Thanks for putting this together so quickly.
Attila, your comment struck me because it’s a variation of what I said myself for many years. When confronted with soul crushing doctrine, I would say, “God’s the boss, obey him or else.” Because that is what it boiled down to for me. Church teachings weren’t uplifting, joyful or inspirational. Putting your head down and just obeying isn’t sustainable, though. Fear only motivates temporarily. I eventually needed positivity to guide my life and left the church–torpedoes be damned!
I am sorry your experience was soul crushing. I have found the teachings of the Savior the opposite. Now I feel certain that you love the Savior and feel his teachings as uplifting as I do but somehow understood those teachings differently in the Church. You found fear and just obeying where I find peace and, well, obeying Christ gives me that peace. If you left the church then you believe that it does not have the Priesthood. I believe the Church of Jesus Christ LDS does indeed have the Priesthood of God, the authority to act in his name. So, different perspectives. As to “fear” I have NEVER believed or “obeyed” out of fear. I have never felt that the church has taught that one should be afraid. Rather that we should love God and each other and be obedient to God’s word; to keep his commandments which are given out of His love for us, His children. Best wishes to you and thank you for you comments.