Navigating Power: Women’s Empowerment Discourse in the LDS Community
A recent post on the LDS ChurchβsΒ official Instagram pageΒ has racked up thousands of comments, many from women who see a vast gulf between how empowered the church says they are, and how empowered they actually feel.
The post featured a statement attributed to Anette Dennis, a prominent figure in the Relief Society, the women’s organization within the church. In the quote, she expressed that she was unaware of any other religious group worldwide that has granted as much power and authority to women. This statement resonated deeply with many Mormon women who perceive the patriarchal structures within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as limiting their true agency and authority. Neylan McBaine, an LDS author, found the comment so incongruent with her own experiences in the church that she initially believed it to be a joke. She was not alone in her disbelief. McBaine will be part of a panel of guests joining to discuss Dennis’ assertion and the strong reactions it has elicited.
Correction: RadioWest described Celeste M. Davis as a “self-described” spiritual director. She is, in fact, a certified spiritual director.
GUESTS:
Celeste M. DavisΒ |Β Spiritual DirectorΒ and writer, you can read her work onΒ Substack.
Neylan McBainΒ | Lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the author of several books, including βWomen at Church: Magnifying LDS Women’s Local Impact.β You can read her writing atΒ NeylanMcBaine.com.
Jana RiessΒ | Journalist and historian. She is a senior columnist forΒ Religion News Service.
Airdate: Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 9 a.m. and Saturday March 30, at 11 a.m.
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Guest Author
J Washburn
