Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Joanna Brooks on Mormon Identity in the 21st Century

On June 11, 2011, members of the Mormon Stories community held their 2nd regional conference in Salt Lake City. In this keynote address entitled "Mormon Identity in the 21st Century: Claiming and Belonging", professor and author Joanna Brooks explores a more expansive vision for Mormon identity. Joanna's vision is an inspiring one that will hopefully catch on:

“If you identify as a Mormon, I hear you. I recognize you. I claim you. I claim you gay or straight, liberal or conservative; white, black, brown. Perfect, imperfect, active, less-active, post-, present, literal, non-literal, agnostic, atheistic; your story matters. You belong. We are Mormons. We may be uncorrelated, but we are still Mormons. We are open. We are open to each other; we are open to difference. We are open to the beautiful and the difficult facts of our Mormon history, and we are open to the potential of Mormonism in the 21st century. Let’s see what beauty we can make of our Mormon identity together.”

4 comments:

charles said...

I haven't watched that video yet, but I really like that quote!! My super-imperfect self wants to be claimed and recognized!

charles said...

ugh--especially right now!
xo

Cammie said...

I want you to watch it because it's so wonderful! It made me cry.

. . .I know what you mean, char, I feel the same way. I claim you and love you!

Cammie said...

. . .and miss you and can't wait for you to come.