Jill Mulvay Derr and Cherry Bushman Silver - Eliza R. Snow and Women’s History - September 8, 2026
Materials for Discussion:
Cherry Bushman Silver Background
Part 1: Interview between Cherry Bushman Silver and Jill Mulvay Derr
Part 2: Interview between Cherry Bushman Silver and Jill Mulvay Derr
Discussion:
Quote from Adam Miller - “To be hungry and to be wondering is a good place to be spiritually.” Follow Him podcast September 7-13, 2026 Adam Miller Part 1
Enjoyed thinking about Eliza’s four titles: Priestess, prophetess, poetess, presidentess
Eliza’s quote: “These calls to action empowered women by encouraging them to take responsibility for change in their respective spheres. Eliza Snow located agency in the sisters themselves: “The difficulty is in getting the sisters to feel like undertaking it.” She sensed women of the Church possessed power to create positive change but worried that they would be their own stumbling block.” A Place to Belong, Introduction, ix.
Personal experience shared: Years ago, sitting on the stand for the General Women’s Conference as a presidency and a counselor didn’t think it was appropriate. Why are they uncomfortable? Most likely because they aren’t study what has been said about women, priesthood, power, and authority. Some believe when we use our God-given power, we are taking it from someone else, but no one is taking anyone’s power from anyone else. There is no limit of God’s power.
Many of our Clarus members continue to be frustrated that women and men still don’t know that we have priesthood power and authority; the prophet has said it numerous times.
It is hard to hear from a man that we shouldn’t use our power or authority— but even harder to hear it a woman say it
Women need visible women leaders—this can make a difference for all ages whether female or male
We can leave blessing in other people’s homes — stake presidents frequently ask their organizational presidencies to do so
What are we leaving on the table? How are we not living up to our privileges?
Alicia: privileges taken in a very underhanded way
April 2014 President Oaks talk - April 2018 & April 2020
The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow website
What is women’s calling poem “Woman” - Poem #246
Some images of LDS women are ridiculous and because of that, won’t be taken seriously
How to bring back women from COVID? Sometimes one has to be creative to help everyone feel welcome and want to return to church.
“O My Father,” lyrics penned by Eliza R. Snow. Derr: “So, one has the sense that this concept of Heavenly Mother was certainly in the air when Eliza penned her hymn in fall 1845. I feel that she was a prophetess in the sense that she internalized this teaching, and the Spirit must have spoken to her in a particular way that confirmed its truth and gave her voice. Her poem including the reality of the Eternal Mother becomes the Church’s expression of this doctrine across many years.”
Eliza remained very connected to the church as a whole despite the snags she ran into
One member called Eliza Snow an “accommodating priestess”
She lifted the women around her to do great things
Eliza was taught personally by Joseph Smith—she had a different vision, the original vision
Books for Continuing Study
A House Full of Females: Plural Marriage and Women's Rights in Early Mormonism, 1835-1870, by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
One member brought four excellent books to review: Woman of Covenant, The Story of Relief Society; A Centenary of Relief Society (used copy notably owned and signed by Leonard Arrington, former church historian—so neat!; Rise Up and Speak, Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow; History of Relief Society 1842-1966.
Leonard Arrington - For further information about the church historian, see the book review in BYU Studies Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History
Women of Faith in the Latter Days - four volumes 1775-1900, edited by Brittany Chapman Nash and Richard Turley
Two Items of interest:
1. A new podcast from Maxwell Institute, Faith in Every Footnote. It's aimed at graduate students, and the first episode features Spencer Fluhman. He shares his stories of faith and graduate work, and the influence of women during this time.
2. The summer issue of Square Two Journal is out. This is Valerie Hudson Cassler's (aka VH Cassler) quarterly newsletter packed with interesting essays, and it is free! We refer often to Valerie's excellent essays, and I know some of you subscribe to this newsletter.
Next meeting: October 13th, 2026
Next Topic: What is Women’s Relationship to Priesthood? Lisa Olsen Tait - “Yet to Be Revealed,” BYU Studies Journal 60:30