In recognition of the gendered nature of spiritual authority within institutional Mormonism, many Mormon women have sought increased representation by seeking female ordination and encouraging further discussion of the divine feminine. Outside of institutional channels, many have also begun to look toward alternative practices to harness the power of God in their lives. These practices include immersion ceremonies, blessings, and devotion to Heavenly Mother. Using ethnographic methodologies, this paper seeks to understand the nature of these practices and the continued invocation of women’s historic spiritual authority in the lives on contemporary Mormons.

Cristina Rosetti
Doe Daughtrey