Join us today for a panel discussion on this week’s firestorm over J. Anette Dennis’s sermon broadcast to women of the church, which was uploaded to the LDS Church’s official Instagram account. Panelists include: Julia Sanders, Celeste Davis, Samantha Shelley, and Alyssa Witbeck.
This riveting interview takes a deep dive into the church’s recent Women’s Devotional – an event intended to empower female members but one that generated significant controversy. Hear candid analysis unpacking the mixed messaging around their supposed “power and authority”, and the perceived dissonance between leader’s rhetoric and the reality of women’s restricted roles. No topic is off-limits in this thought-provoking look at how the devotional aimed to honor women’s divine roles while still upholding traditional male leadership.
- Alyssa Witbeck – Tik Tok
- Alyssa Witbeck – Instagram
- Zelph on the Shelf – YouTube
- Zelph on the Shelf – Instagram
- Celeste M Davis Substack
- Celeste Davis – Instagram
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Show Notes:
- The Instagram post from the church
- Women’s Devotional March 17, 2024
- LDS Church responds to Firestorm – Salt Lake Tribune
- Does the Mormon Church Empower Women? – New York Times
- Essential Writings of Mormon Feminism
- Pedestals and Podiums by Martha Bradley
- Brad Wilcox “people are playing church”
- Ordain Women
- Dr. Julie Hanks – TikTok
- Mormon No More Documentary
- Sonia Johnson
- Jasmin’s take on Sister Dennis’ quote – Scripture Plus
- For sources of women using the priesthood see Todd Compton’s book “In Sacred Loneliness”
- Another source for women’s priesthood is “The Historical Relationship of Mormon Women and Priesthood” by Linda K. Newell
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What is the 600 page document of mother in heaven.
The soundtrack for episode (not the video, but just under it) is misslabeled. It is not a panel on women but an interview (part 2) with Sam Zitting Weisen and Melissa (Kauls), who have a podcast “Growing up in Polygamy”. Jenn Camp is with John on the interview. Nice interview – very fascinating.
So powerful. We as women can take the reins. Let’s do it! One thing I didn’t think I heard mentioned was dedication of a grave. My mom and I are not active and she is mid nineties so we have planned her funeral services. It will not be in a church. Her kids will be pall bearers (sons AND daughters). She has agreed that when the time comes, I will have the honor to dedicate her grave in the name of Heavenly Mother and Father, our Savior Jesus, and on the name our family. Sometimes if people don’t give you permission you gotta go to the top mama! So grateful for this great woman I get to call my mom. No patriarchy needed.
Will the audio only be added? The one below the video is to a different podcast.
Thank you Monica! It should be fixed.
Russell Nelson can come up with two women—really?!?
I immediately thought of my wife, sisters, mother, grandmothers, my immensely sharp and witty 93 year-old mother-in-law, the vast majority of school teachers, best friends, leaders, and on and on. These are the strongest women I’ve learned from and with, looked up to, flat out belly-laughed with for hours and hours, and engaged in deeply intellectual and emotionally raw conversation. My first 16 years of life were spent as an active, trying to believe young woman, however, the past 44 years as MINO (member in name only) have been so much more rewarding and happy. I thank my father for teaching me to think critically about all things and not to fall for deceptive people or institutions.