A reader writes:
By starting her story with the tale of two soon-to-be ex-Mormons, and acknowledging that only some of the twenty (count ‘em: 20!) feminist bloggers are actually members of the LDS Church, it seems Frieda Klotz’s point is that so-called Mormon feminists are likely to be or become ex-Mormons. While I’ve resided here behind the zion curtain for the last 30 years (including several years of employ at LDS Hospital), my conclusions are no less anecdotally-based than Ms. Klotz’s. And I most certainly do know some very independently thinking and progressive Mormon women. And as is the case with every religion, there exists a wide spectrum regarding Mormon individuals’ adherence to dogma. Just as there exist prochoice Catholics who would have eaten chicken on Fridays way back when, there are Mormon women who have sex and drink beer – not necessarily in that order.
That said, I’ve never seen one hint from true believers that Mormon women should be eligible to hold the Priesthood (now exclusively a male entitlement; and until the 1970s a white male entitlement).
The absolute power over, and fear of empowering, women is evidenced by laws passed this last session by the overwhelmingly Mormon and male state legislature: one that further restricted access to sex ed and forbade mention of contraception, let alone homosexuality (vetoed); the other that imposes a 72-hour waiting period for abortions (signed and being challenged by those "gentiles" over to the ACLU). A BYU coed recently accused by a classmate of dressing provocatively may have won applause outside this land of Mormonism, but within it, as evidenced by comment boards on the Church-owned radio and TV station website, KSL, her critics far outnumbered supporters – particularly among women. I’ve seen no decrease in triple-wide baby strollers being pushed by teen moms in downtown Salt Lake City. I’ve seen no sign from my smart and goodhearted Mormon neighbors, or here on the streets of the big city, that women are clamoring for more freedom.
In short, I’ve seen nothing here in Utah that might signal anything even approaching a bra-burning moment.
Another shows signs of optimism:
Hopefully you are aware of Joanna Brooks, whose blog, askmormongirl.com, and more recently her memoir The Book of Mormon Girl, has made her rather prominent, especially because of the Mormons in the GOP primary. (Here is a CNN.com story on her.)
Brooks is a feminist Mormon in an interfaith marriage and family, and openly loves and struggles with her church. She has been particularly at odds with the Mormon church for its anti-marriage equality campaigns here in California. I would especially recommend the chapter of her memoir when, during her college days, her beloved Mormon feminist leaders and BYU professors are excommunicated by the church. This happened in the fairly recent past, and Brooks is treading on ground that is still dangerous and unpredictable.
Perhaps things are in flux because of the scrutiny the church is receiving due to Romney's campaign, and things will change after the election (but in which direction?). Regardless, her openness about doubt and faith seems to have hit a chord in many younger Mormons, and her blog is beginning to attract non-Mormon readers who have similar questions of faith. I recommend you check her out.
The Dish 