Mormon feminism
What’s wrong with BYU-Idaho’s Mormon dress code
By Jana Riess — September 19, 2014
With regard to the BYU-Idaho dress code, it might be good for Mormons to remember that Jesus’ only words about clothes in the entire New Testament were an admonition for us to stop worrying so much about them.
When is a Mormon prophet speaking as a prophet?
By Jana Riess — September 16, 2014
How can Mormons know when prophets are speaking because they are moved by the Holy Ghost, and not simply expressing their cultural views?
Mormon apostle to women: “Now, don’t talk too much in those meetings”
By Jana Riess — September 11, 2014
The “don't talk too much” injunction is not so much a random aside as a visible pattern. Elder Ballard has twice in one month told Mormon women to rein in their voices.
3 key messages from Elder Ballard on men, women, and Mormon priesthood
By Jana Riess — August 28, 2014
It’s clear from the picture Elder Ballard paints of ward councils that while many words of value might be applied to women there – assistant, helper, supporter, or deputy, for example – “equal” is not among them.
In defense of moderate Mormon feminism — even without priesthood
By Jana Riess — August 26, 2014
Moderate Mormon feminists like Neylan McBaine are taking flak from both sides -- those who think they go too far and those who criticize them for not going far enough. But small changes are never, ever nothing.
I need Mormon anger management
By Jana Riess — August 25, 2014
A Book of Mormon story reminds me to keep my anger in check even when (especially when?) I'm feeling righteous indignation, as I have this summer over women's ordination and same-sex marriage.
Just HOW do Mormon women hold the priesthood?
By Jana Riess — August 11, 2014
The overall argument that women (and children, and cats, and possibly guppies) can receive all the blessings of the priesthood just by having hands laid on their head and some lovely words spoken is, at best, only partially true. And without intending to, these sincere and well-meant justifications actually undermine the power of the priesthood.
Why are Mormon women terrified to speak in sacrament meeting?
By Jana Riess — August 4, 2014
Of course Mormon women are terrified. Of course they spend half their allotted time explaining why they’re not worthy to speak their mind. They're expected to give talks they have not been trained to deliver in settings in which it would never otherwise be considered appropriate to have them stand up front.
Mormon bloggers and podcasters emphasize there is “room for all” in the LDS Church
By Jana Riess — June 16, 2014
Dozens of Mormon bloggers have expressed their hope that the LDS Church will avoid excommunicating prominent activists and "consider other ways of maintaining boundaries, strengthening Church members, and encouraging them to grow spiritually within Mormonism’s large and embracing community."
Mormons for a platitude-free Mother’s Day
By Jana Riess — May 2, 2014
Well-meaning people, in the face of the pain that litters the minefield that is Mother’s Day, often resort to generalities and platitudes. But this is a mistake. What can save the Mother’s Day church experience are flesh-and-blood stories of broken people doing their very best.
Mormons and the problem of selective obedience
By Jana Riess — April 7, 2014
Elder Hales says selective obedience is undesirable because we should instead be “using our agency to obey.” The problem with this assessment is that selective obedience is where most of us live.
The care and feeding of Mormon trolls: A guest post by Stephanie Lauritzen
By Jana Riess — March 25, 2014
The founder of "Wear Pants to Church Day" reflects on death threats and other uncivilized behavior by Mormons online. How do people so easily forget there's a person with feelings at the other end of their rants?
I’m a Mormon feminist, not an anti-Mormon protestor
By Jana Riess — March 18, 2014
Yesterday’s statement reveals what the LDS Church apparently thinks of the feminists within its fold. We, as faithful and active members of the Church, are being lumped together with the same anti-Mormon protestors who routinely crash General Conference and shout that the Mormon religion is of the devil.
Mormon women on the front page of the New York Times
By Jana Riess — March 3, 2014
The New York Times explores how sister missionaries are changing the future of Mormonism -- not just for women, but for the Church.
Mormon Women Wear Pants to Church, Take Two
By Jana Riess — November 26, 2013
On December 15, Mormon feminists will wear pants and the color purple as signs of their commitment to the full flourishing of LDS women.
