Q: What is the Mormon Women’s Forum?

A: The Mormon Women’s Forum is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization, founded in August of 1988 and registered with the Dept. of Commerce of the State of Utah and the IRS.

Q: What is the purpose of the Forum?

A: The mission of the Mormon Women’s Forum is to enrich the larger religious community by providing settings for the presentation and discussion of ideas and experiences, particularly in the context of Mormon culture and gender issues. We invite all people to re-examine traditional religious, social, and political beliefs and structures in an environment of openness and respect. We recognize the inherent worth of every individual. We valuediversity, seek for truth, and encourage equity and community.

Q: What has the Forum done in the past?

A: The Forum has sponsored panel discussions, debates, talks, informal discussion groups, conferences, a radio show, and a quarterly publication. As a feminist organization, it has dealt with such topics as: women and the priesthood, Heavenly Mother/God the Mother, spiritual gifts, Mormon women’s history, body image, abortion, feminist activism, gender identity, lesbianism, sexual abuse, sexism and language, interfaith dialogue, feminism on the internet, women’s emotional and physical health, birth control, mother/daughter relationships, adoption, conflict between family and career, tension between being feminist and active LDS, etc. etc.

Q: What is the Forum doing currently?

A: The Mormon Women’s Forum now sponsors a yearly Counterpoint Conference (which takes place in the Fall in Salt Lake City) and maintains this website with archives containing past MWF Quarterlies and unpublished papers. MP3 files of Counterpoint proceedings will soon be available on the website.

Q: What is the Forum’s connection with the LDS Church?

A: The Mormon Women’s Forum has no official or unofficial connection with the LDS Church. Although the women and men who organized it and have run it, are or have been members of the LDS Church, it is strictly a privateorganization dedicated to the promotion of the status of women and the encouragement of women’s voices.

Q: Is the Forum anti-Mormon?

A: No, not at all. Although the Forum questions gender equity within the Church and promotes open discussions about Church history and practice, it also acknowledges the many good things the LDS Church has done and currently does for women. The majority of people who participate in the Forum are active members of the LDS Church, although we also encourage participation from inactive and former LDS church members, as well as non-Mormons.