In this episode, I wrestle with the topic of people leaving the church for a variety of reasons and how I've evolved in my thinking about it. I also talk about why I choose to stay, and the "wrestle" many of us have with our minds and hearts in this space. This includes a conscious decision to make continuous efforts to keep our heart soft. I hope it is helpful for those who want to do the same.

Last week on this podcast I talked about what Elder Renlund said about the Church needing to do better for women, and I argued for a policy change and for all of us to believe women, particularly when bad things have or are happening. I also mentioned some research, so I want to focus this episode on telling you about this research. I published pieces of this in a Forbes article in February this year, and I’ll change the words to focus on our situation.
This research has helped me understand why men tend to support men even when those men perpetrate abuse of some kind. And, unfortunately, some women fall into that category too. So why do people support perpetrators? This research was focused on sexual misconduct allegations in the workplace, but its applications are beyond. I know I've been focusing a lot on abuse, but it feels right. I want you to be empowered to act as you are armed with the research! RESOURCE:

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2025/02/25/why-people-support-perpetrators-during-sexual-misconduct-allegations/

In March of 2025, an article in the Salt Lake Tribunesaid this: Speaking at a women’s conference this month in Arcadia, California, apostle Dale Renlund tackled head-on a question about the church’s lack of gender equality and representation. He observed that church leaders "haven't done as good a job as I think we can" to address existing imbalances "within the bounds that God has set." Then he said "So, we're going to do better. " I talk about that and suggest a policy change that could be incredibly powerful in the space of helping women. I also share some tips from the "Start by Believing" campaign. Listen in!

RESOURCE: https://startbybelieving.org/