Predictors of opposition to and support for the ordination of women: insights from the LDS Church

Abstract

Female ordination is an important component of gender equality in Christian religious communities. While prior research has examined societal, institutional, and organisational factors that predict changes in ordination policies in Christian denominations, there is very little research examining individuals’ attitudes regarding the ordination of women. In this research, we use data from two surveys of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to examine the factors that predict attitudes towards the ordination of women using two polity-specific measures of support or opposition. Results indicate greater support for the ordination of women when framed in a way that takes into account LDS church governance. While several demographic variables predict attitudes towards ordination, the strongest correlate is perceptions of inequality.

Keywords:

• Mormonism
• gender
• ordination
• priesthood

ORCID

Ryan T. Cragun http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8217-5116

Michael Nielsen http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4759-9252