Changing role of LDS feminists explored

Some 30 women and a few men discussed the ideas of service, activism and the changing role of Mormon feminists during the annual Mormon Women's Forum at the University of Utah on Saturday.

"Artemis," a contributor to the blog: feministmormonhousewives.org, told attendees Saturday she believed the Internet has created a new forum for women who are current or former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to debate concerns with some teachings of that faith.

"Most people who stick around usually find some measure of peace," Artemis said of the blog, which hosts discussions about issues such as modesty, homemaking, the idea of a Heavenly Mother and equality between men and women.

After the recent general conference of the LDS Church in October, bloggers on feministmormonhousewives.org debated a talk by Sister Julie B. Beck, general president of the Relief Society. Sister Beck discussed the role of women as homemakers, wives and mothers, but some bloggers took offense, according to Artemis.

Others defended the talk.

"The overall fault was her focus was too limiting, both for women and men and LDS and non-LDS," Artemis said of those who appeared offended by the talk.

Margaret Toscano, with the Mormon Women's Forum, said the role of the group was to promote such discussions about gender and equality, particularly within the context of the LDS culture. The Mormon Women's Forum is not affiliated with the LDS Church.

"I'm so pleased that feminism is not dying but has a whole new life on the Internet," she said.

Earlier in the conference, speakers related experiences with service ranging from time spent volunteering at the prison, to creating personal "callings" within an LDS ward. Later discussions were held about environmentalism, poverty, racism and "circling the wagons" around gay loved ones.

Vickie Stewart Eastman, a recruiter and writer, said she took it upon herself to decorate her ward's chapel with flowers and a Christmas wreath each Sunday. "It gives me pleasure," she said of the unofficial calling.

For more information about the Mormon Women's Forum, log on to: www.mormonwomensforum.org. The group was founded in 1988 and holds a yearly conference in Salt Lake City.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com