Recently a post about Mormon women and feminism (“Jesus Was a Feminist and You Should Be One Too“) left me wanting to write some of my thoughts on Mormon feminism here at Mormon Women: Who We Are. The author begins her post by saying:

I was recently interviewed by a student doing a project on Mormon women. During our interview she informed me that of all the LDS women she’d spoken to, I was the only one who identified as a feminist. I was shocked and felt betrayed by my fellow LDS women. How could they be active members of the LDS church and not believe in gender equality?

She also expresses in the comments that she hopes that the word feminist can be reclaimed. I explained that

Yes, gender inequality exists today, and I think it’s good to talk about — to a point. I’m not convinced that equality should necessarily be an end goal in all cases. For example, I think one reason why some [Mormon] women reject the label of feminist is because many feminists insist that you can’t be a feminist and be ok with [the structure] of the Church, and that can feel threatening. I personally think that such focus [on organizational “equality”] can miss the mark.

 

Let me be clear here: I’m not advocating running in fear from discussions about ‘women’s issues’ in the context of the Church [or elsewhere, for that matter]. I just don’t think ‘equality’ as feminism defines it is a necessarily always a good measure for what we should be aiming for. I think feminism defines equality in a way that can sometimes be too narrow vis-à-vis our doctrine. Our doctrine is so much more expansive than just an organization chart or men vs. women job/opportunity list (which is often how ‘equality’ is measured). [I repeated myself a bit there, but I guess that makes my point!]

 

This is a long (and old) quote (using old quotes is not my usual MO), but it explains much better than I ever could what I’m trying to get at. I think his insight is both timeless in principle, and timely in our world of PC-driven dialogue. [Besides, I’m such a fan of Neal A. Maxwell’s use of language!]

 

Secularism often seizes upon a single, true principle and elevates it above its peer principles. This act of isolation does not make the principle seized any less true, but it strips that principle of its supporting principles. One can be incarcerated within the prison of one principle.

 

For instance, “peacemakers” are precious commodities, but peace-making must be tied to other principles or it can easily become peace-making at any price. Candor is an important attribute, but it must not be separated from genuine concern for those who will feel the consequences of candor. Paul’s counsel is to be sure that we are “speaking the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:15.) Love and truth need each other.

 

Charles Frankel observed of those who would currently subordinate everything else to “equality”:

 

“The fallacies of the new egalitarianism come largely from having ripped the notion of equality loose from its context. The result is to turn it into a principle vagrant and homeless, and identifiable in fact only if a quasi-theological context is unconsciously imported.” (“The New Egalitarianism and the Old,” Commentary, Sept. 1973, p. 61.)

 

Elevating any correct principle to the plane of religion is poor policy. Just as one person makes a poor church, one principle makes a poor religion!

 

In a sense, principles can become “prodigal” as well as people can! Principles can have the equivalent of estrangement and of a “journey into a far country” and be “spent,” with little to show. These “prodigals,” too, must return to and be reunited with the “family” of principles.

 

The doctrines of Christ need each other, just as the disciples of Christ need each other. It is the orthodox orchestration in applying the gospel of Jesus Christ that keeps us happy and helps us to avoid falling off the straight and narrow path, for on the one side there is harsh legalism and on the other syrupy sensualism. Little wonder that man needs careful and precise help, the guidance of the Spirit, in order to navigate under such stressful circumstances. -Elder Neal A. Maxwell

 

THAT kind of discussion, where we avoid either “harsh legalism” (often, imo, found in feminism or other -isms) or syrupy sensualism (I imagine we [Mormons] can all think of times when Mormon culture has had this kind of feeling) and can address hard issues with a willingness to engage “the whole,” the doctrines of the gospel, the context of the plan of salvation, the repeated counsel of prophets? THAT is what I get excited about. In my mind, that transcends feminism. To me, feminism is limiting, even as some of the principles do fit into the whole, imo. And I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way.

 

But in saying that, I hope you can not feel alone in your desire to talk about these issues, because you aren’t. I’ll talk about it any day, and I know many women who would! 

I have more thoughts on gender equality and Mormon womanhood that I plan to include in future posts. We’ll also be sharing some perspectives from other Mormon women that capture how other Mormon women feel about questions people sometimes have about Mormons, feminism, and why women choose to be Mormon. I’m certainly not trying to speak for all Mormon women here…just sharing my own response to the question above. There are Mormon women who do identify as “feminists.” I think every woman who does use the label of “feminist” ends up probably meaning something a little different. To me, the label is too charged and too limiting, although some might call what I do feminist: I do love to talk about and ponder the way women fit into Mormon doctrine, gospel teachings, scripture, and more. My hobbies over the years have focused on ‘women’s issues’ in religion, family life, education, and business.

And do I believe men and women are equal before God? Oh, yes. More on that soon….

The post On gender equality and Mormon feminism appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

One morning, a few months ago, I stood next to my husband, Dustin, in front of the mirror in our bathroom. I think we were both brushing our teeth. My thoughts for the previous several days had dwelt on men and women, their roles, their differences. You see, I had just read a book that was set in a different time when men had to be warriors. A time when they had to protect and defend their wives, families and country. Dustin and I were both bare shouldered because it was morning and we weren’t dressed yet. As we were standing next to each other in front of the mirror, I couldn’t help but observe the differences between him and me, a man and a woman. His shoulders are broad, well-muscled and strong. While I am a fairly strong woman, I relished the study of his shoulder versus mine. I looked so small next to him. So delicate. So… feminine.

A friend of ours recently passed away, leaving behind a wife and two small children. As we went to the viewing and hugged each of his family members who attended his body, his newly-widowed wife hugged me fiercely and, through her sobs, conveyed to me that this just isn’t fair! She didn’t want this! This wasn’t supposed to happen! They were supposed to grow old together! She isn’t supposed to be a widow at 28 years old! Her feelings of confusion, anger, heartache and sorrow washed over me. All I could do was sob and tell her, “I’m sorry.”

If tragedy were to strike my family as it did our friends’, I know I could take care of myself and that I could provide for my children if the need arose. I’ve always known that and I have confidence in myself and my capabilities. That being said, the events of the last few weeks made me realize that I cherish being taken care of. It is a joy, a privilege, and a blessing. I treasure that my husband’s main desire is to provide for his wife and his children. I honor the fact that he is a man who wants to be the breadwinner. I relish my role of being a feminine woman who knows she can take care of herself, but allows her husband the honor of doing it for her.

And, for me in my life, the complete awareness of my own capabilities coupled with the choice to be dependent on my husband, despite what I can do or be, is a choice I make willingly and gratefully.  A choice that has born the sweet fruit of joy and mutual respect between him and me, a husband and a wife.

Clancy grew up right in the middle of her family of seven… mom, dad, sister, brother, Clancy, sister, brother.  She is now the happily married mother of three and a half children ages 9, 7, 4 and a baby due in March.  Her interests include (but are not limited to) writing, singing, being with her family and playing Ultimate Frisbee.  Having been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her whole life, she is currently enjoying the fulfillment of her calling as Ward Choir Director.

The post First Person: Shoulder to Shoulder appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Sue is one of those people for me.

I’ve been a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a “Mormon“) all of my life. I have been surrounded by strong, diligent people who have shared their convictions of the reality of God as a loving Father, and of a Savior who has power to heal hearts and change lives. I have heard people talk about the power of prayer. I myself am no stranger to the power of prayer and the reality of God. I have felt God’s Spirit penetrate my heart on more occasions than I can recount. I cannot express the gratitude I have for the faith I have, and for people who have helped strengthen that faith in word, deed, and quiet example.

But Sue has helped bring truth to my life in ways unlike anyone else. I’ve never felt quite the way I do when she talks about talking with – and getting answers from – God, when she testifies of His character and His love.

Perhaps it is because of where she’s been, what’s she’s been through. I don’t even know all of the details, but I know she has experienced a lot of pain in her life. When she joined the Mormon Church as an adult, she came with a lot of questions — questions that women who identify themselves as feminists might ask as they learn about (or participate in) our Church. “Why are men the ones who hold the priesthood? Why do men hold many of the leadership positions in the LDS Church?” She wondered and worried. Did God not care about, or trust, women as much as He did men? Did He think women were second-class citizens?

Even with these questions that troubled her, she continued on, diligently holding to this faith she had embraced. She had a conviction that she needed to be a member of the Church. She had spent years searching for something to fill her deep needs for meaning and purpose in life, and this Church provided many answers for her.

Still, these questions raged like fire in her mind and heart.

But rather than let them fester, she turned to God in earnestness.

Sue has shared glimpses of some of the conversations she had with God in prayer. Her pleas were raw, full of the pain and emotion that seared her soul. She held nothing back.

And God answered.

The answers didn’t come all at once. They didn’t necessarily come as she expected them to (and they weren’t always what she was expecting!). But they came.

An image of Sue that is burned into my memory is of a time she spoke (as she often does) with passionate wonder and intense gratitude. She had just related one of these tender, powerful moments when Heavenly Father distilled truth into her mind and heart, piercing the darkness she had felt. As she shared with me, she threw herself against her chair, arms and head flung back, as though she had been blown over by a strong gust of wind. She exclaimed: “How can we not have faith in such a Being as this?”

The absolute confidence she has in God is remarkable. She will often describe God as a “phenomenal Man” — perfect in His character, perfect in His love, perfect in His knowledge of us and our lives. And oh-so-desirous to free us from misperceptions and misunderstandings – distortions that keep us from understanding Him and His truths.

A part of me wishes that I could package her answers somehow for women who also have questions about how to manage that mental, emotional, and spiritual space where Mormonism and feminism may seem to irreconcilably collide.

But in the end, I realize that no human answers will be sufficient for the deepest questions and struggles that come with this journey called mortality.

My struggles are different from Sue’s, but the power of her example and conviction has left an indelible mark on my soul. Her experiences with God have strengthened my confidence in the process of prayer, and have increased my desire to seek — and find — Him.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

~by Michelle

You can read more First Person essays here.

The post <i>First Person</i>: “Seek and Ye Shall Find” appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, comrades and friends – but only one mother in the whole world.
~Kate Douglas Wiggin

If I was damned of body and soul,
I know whose prayers would make me whole,
Mother o’ mine, O mother o’mine.
~Rudyard Kipling

God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers.
~Jewish Proverb

Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
Father in Heaven has sent me to you.
When I am near you, I love to hear you
Singing so softly that you love me too.
Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
I want to help you because I love you.
I want to mind you, I want to find you
Happy and Smiling because I love you.
Mother, I love you, I love you, I do.
~Lorin F. Wheelwright
 
The holiest words my tongue can frame,
The noblest thoughts my soul can claim,
Unworthy are to praise the name
More precious than all other.
An infant, when her love first came,
A man, I find it still the same,
Reverently I breathe her name,
The blessed name of mother.
~George Griffith Fether

And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary…
Mosiah 3:8

The post Tribute to Mothers appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

We just found an enjoyable Mormon Times article that tells a little of the history of Women’s Conference. The Conference began in 1976, and was entitled “The LDS Woman: Potentialities and Promises.” Belle S. Spafford, who gave the opening address for the conference, predicted that it would someday be an event that would fill the Marriott Center. She wasn’t far off.

The first conference that year had about 900 participants; now around 20,000 women gather to listen, learn, serve, and strengthen one another. Sister Ardeth G. Kapp, former General Young Women’s President, who was involved in the early years, is quoted saying that BYU Women’s Conference “has become kind of a gathering place.”

For the many of us around the world who were not able to attend physically, we can gather virtually on May 14 and 15 to hear rebroadcasts of some of the addresses from the 2009 Women’s Conference. They will be available on May 14 and 15. More information can be found here.

And don’t forget that sharing station information and transcripts will be available on the official Women’s Conference website in the coming weeks. (While you are waiting, consider enjoying content from past years!)

The post A little history of BYU Women’s Conference appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Read past lessons:

Lesson #1

Lesson #2

Lesson #3

The post <i>Portraits of Mormon Women</i>: Centennial Lessons: Church History for Women, Lesson #4 appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Born December 21, 1913, in Winnetka, Illinois, Arnold Friberg is recognized as one of the greatest master painters of modern times. Perhaps his best-known work is the 1975 American masterpiece “The Prayer at Valley Forge” — depicting George Washington praying while the Continental Army winters at Valley Forge.

He also did the pre-visualization paintings for the Cecil B. DeMille film The Ten Commandments , for which he received an Academy Award nomination.

Currently, the exhibit is in Bountiful, Utah. If you are interested in getting the exhibit in your area, you can go here to vote (see the ‘vote’ tab at the top of the page).

For more information about this traveling art exhibit, see here or here.

The post Bring Arnold Frieberg’s Art to a City Near You! appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

A fireside was held to commemorate this significant event. You can watch a rebroadcast of that fireside by clicking here.

The post Blacks and the Priesthood — Commemoration Fireside appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

For some beautiful pieces exploring stories of women in the Old Testament, see this article.

Do you know of other existing art to which we can link? Do you have art of your own you would like to share, or know someone who does? Please email us at ‘mormonwoman’ AT ‘gmail’ DOT ‘com’

The post Women of the Old Testament (Art) appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Keep checking back, as they say that they will continue to upload material when possible.

The post Compressed Audio Files of Various Church Resources appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.