Women at Church

Artwork by Caitlin Connolly

Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women’s Local Impact by Neylan McBaine is a practical and faithful guide to improving the way men and women work together at church. Looking at current administrative and cultural practices, the author explains why some women struggle with the gendered divisions of labor. She then examines ample real-life examples that are currently happening in local settings around the country that expand and reimagine gendered practices. Readers will understand how to evaluate possible pain points in current practices and propose solutions that continue to uphold all mandated church policies. Readers will be equipped with the tools they need to have respectful, empathetic, and productive conversations about gendered practices in Church administration and culture.

Mormon Women Project founder Neylan McBaine draws on years of study and conversations as well as hundreds of interviews to offer real-world ideas that are happening now in wards and stakes.

All royalties from the book go to supporting the LDS Women Project.

“I believe we already have the tools to see, hear, and include women more fully in the operation and governance of our wards and stakes…. Male and female local leaders can stretch their organizational and spiritual imaginations even further to embrace innovative solutions for the inclusion of women.” - Neylan McBaine, from Women at Church

In the spirit of Women at Church, invited members to share how gender cooperation is working in their ward, stake, or mission. The purpose of publishing these stories is to draw attention to the many efforts to make Mormon women more visible and involved in their local communities. We hope that these stories will instill hope and confidence that much good is happening, and will give you specific ideas for how you can help magnify women’s impact at church.

If you have a story of how you or someone you know is cooperating with leaders to bring about more egalitarian governance or worship, please share it with us at editor@ldswomenproject.com.

 

Cooperative Change

22 posts displayed

Training Leaders to Help Abuse Victims

Submitted by Julia Blake The Boston Stake Presidency and Stake Relief Society Presidency drafted a letter which was read last Sunday in RS and Priesthood... (Read More)

An Extraordinary Council

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously.  My stake Relief Society president has demonstrated the most inspired initiative and leadership... (Read More)

A Stake Dinner for Auxiliary Leaders

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. This story was submitted by a stake high councilman. Making waves may be a... (Read More)

Linking Auxiliaries in Leadership Development

Christanne Harrison, a stake Relief Society president in Boston MA, is a guest contributor today at MWP. Christanne grew up in a small town in Idaho... (Read More)

Responsibility for the Young Women

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. I had served as the Primary President for about 6 months when a... (Read More)

At the Same Table

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. Last year, I enjoyed being a part of the Gospel Essentials class in... (Read More)

Seeing the Faces of Primary Leaders

In our primary room the children see pictures of the Primary General Presidency underneath pictures of the 1st Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. The... (Read More)

High Councilor Quotes Female General Officer

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. In my Sacrament Meeting this past Sunday, the High Councilor speaker started his... (Read More)

Women at Church Discussion Questions

Are you hosting a discussion or book club about Women at Church? If so, feel free to use these questions to stimulate discussion. Also, add... (Read More)

Follow the Prophet(ess) Lyrics

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. I’m the Primary chorister in my ward. My 9 year old daughter had... (Read More)

High Councilors and Wives Speak Together

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. When we were in our early thirties, my husband was called onto the... (Read More)

Family History Authority

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. As a young mother, still in my twenties, I was called as Family... (Read More)

Bishopric Working Hand in Hand with Women

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. When I became bishop of my ward about three years ago, one of... (Read More)

Fixing A Software Oversight

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. Our two oldest children have both served missions, and my husband and I... (Read More)

Teaching “Daughters in My Kingdom”

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. When “Daughters in My Kingdom” came out, my husband looked through it and... (Read More)

An Elders’ Quorum Initiative

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. Within a few Sundays of receiving his call, the new Elders’ Quorum president... (Read More)

Developing Their Minds

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. When I taught the Laurels, the Young Women president told me when I... (Read More)

Sharing the Load in Gospel Doctrine

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. One thing I love about our ward is that (at least during the... (Read More)

A Mission Mother’s Influence

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. My wife and I just returned from [a major U.S. city] where we... (Read More)

Budget Negotiations

Budget Negotiations by Kathleen Hughes, Former General Relief Society Presidency From LDS Living Magazine, December 16, 2013 I particularly recall an occasion when the Bishop... (Read More)

A Grandmother’s Influence

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. I had the blessing of being raised by my grandparents who understood this... (Read More)

A Girls’ Camp Miracle

Women At Church stories are submitted by church members and shared anonymously. It’s remarkable how answers come in the most unexpected ways, sometimes long after... (Read More)
 

Reading List

 

Are you interested in reading more about women and the Church? Want to follow up on some of the references in Women at Church? The lists below include many of the books and articles Neylan McBaine refers to in her book, and they are augmented with additional resources of interest. This reading list offers a basic but solid foundation for discussions about women both in Church and in contemporary society.

 

Relevant Talks by LDS Leaders


 

Books & Articles about LDS Women


 

Key Blog Posts


 

Newspaper Articles


The LDS Women Project

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter