Kate Kelly is an international human rights lawyer based in Utah. She is also a Mormon, and in early 2013, she started a campaign called Ordain Women, set up to tackle gender inequality in the Church. While any man over the age of 12 can be ordained as a lay priest, women are excluded from nearly all positions of clerical, fiscal, ritual, and decision-making authority. This is despite the fact that there is no specific Mormon doctrine explaining why women cannot be ordained. Her efforts have not gone down well with Mormon leaders, and in June 2014, Kelly was excommunicated “for conduct contrary to the laws and order of the Church”, a decision she is appealing. Here, she discusses her campaign for equality.
Could you tell me a little about the Ordain Women campaign? What made you decide to fight this cause?
Early 2013, I was working with some amazingly courageous people around the world, and helping them file cases before regional human rights bodies. I started to think, "I’m doing all this work around the world but what am I doing for my own most intimate community?" I was inspired by their bravery and I wanted to speak with courage too.
How has the campaign been received? Has there been much support within the Church?
We have had a huge outpouring of support from men and women in the Church. It has been amazing to watch this movement grow so quickly. There has also been negative feedback and repercussions, but the good outweighs the bad, by far.
Did excommunication come as a shock?
I was completely shocked. I have lots of faith in humanity and in justice. So, I thought there was no way they would excommunicate me. There was no way they would do something that was just so plainly wrong.
What does excommunication mean?
To be excommunicated from the Mormon Church means that all of your ordinances are voided: baptism, marriage, sealing to your family... everything. You are no longer Mormon, and cannot participate in your local congregation, but you will also no longer be with your family in heaven. I've described it as a kind of spiritual death. It is the most serious thing that can happen to a Mormon person.
Will you give up the Ordain Women campaign?
I will not give up speaking on behalf of female ordination. Not because I refuse to do so, but because I am not able to do so. I cannot live an inauthentic life and that is what my leaders are asking of me.
Is there any sign that the Church leadership will budge?
Not yet. I am still in the process of appealing the decision to excommunicate me.
How do you think your push for gender equality in the Mormon Church compares with similar struggles in other faiths?
Though we come from different faiths, I have learned a great deal from women in other religions. Last year we had a worldwide interfaith fast. It was amazing to hear their stories of courage and conviction. It made me feel like we are not alone in this struggle. Sister solidarity is powerful and palpable.
