Skip to main content
Article
Predictors of Opposition to and Support for the Ordination of Women: Insights from the LDS Church
Mental Health, Religion & Culture
  • Ryan T. Cragun, University of Tampa
  • Stephen M. Merino, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Michael Nielsen, Georgia Southern University
  • Brent D. Beal, University of Texas at Tyler
  • Matthew Streamer, Ohio State University
  • Bradley Jones, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-10-2016
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2015.1126703
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.

Citation Information
Ryan T. Cragun, Stephen M. Merino, Michael Nielsen, Brent D. Beal, et al.. "Predictors of Opposition to and Support for the Ordination of Women: Insights from the LDS Church" Mental Health, Religion & Culture Vol. 19 Iss. 2 (2016) p. 124 - 137 ISSN: 1469-9737
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael_nielsen/51/