This is a wise and inspiring episode, which uses as a springboard the recent emphases on garment wearing and its relationship to worthiness, including a new statement to be read during the temple recommend interview. It is a conversation between LDF board member Terri Petersen and show favorite Jody England Hansen that addresses these things through a tour of the history of garment wearing in the church, but even more so the garment as symbol within a symbolic ritual, with symbols by definition belonging to each of us individuals for its meaning.
The temple endowment’s ritual is an ascension story, taking us from one state of being and relationship with the Divine to progressively higher and wider ways of relating to and loving God. With each section, we are forced to confront ourselves and ask what are the things that are holding us back as we take this Godward journey? It is also a wisdom journey, because how can we gain such a boon without our taking responsibility for ourselves and our decisions?
One of these responsibilities is making our own decisions about how and when we wear garments. Wearing garments can be problematic for the health of our bodies, and this is especially true for women’s bodies. Whether it is because of climate conditions, immune systems, allergies, or body shapes and sizes that don’t work well with the standard cut of the garment, wearing these as one’s underwear at all times (with very few exceptions) can cause many difficulties. Shouldn’t it then be up to each individual to decide how and when she or he wears garments? Why would anyone want to give up her or his own body autonomy because of church statements (which are changing all the time) made most often by men if they know it is harmful to them (physically but at times psychologically as well)? The garment as symbol is to be understood by each of us individually. It follows that part of our own growth to greater wisdom and love should apply to how we choose to wear them.
Listen in! This conversation is incredible—and important.
Link:
Jody England Hansen, “I Don’t Wear Someone Else’s Underwear,” Exponent II, 9 July 2024, blog post
Thank you for speaking up about this. I was so angry hearing in March of 2024, in my Saturday 4pm Stake Leadership meeting, the night before our New Stake Presidency was to be announced, in Elk Grove California, Elder Hamilton discuss his disapproval of how women are wearing of the garmet. I was angry and have grieved over this so much. First, why are we judging each other? We don’t have any business judging each other. We are asked as leaders to lift each other , compliment, learn from, bless and serve each other. Why are the higher leaders instructing and teaching through words and clear example, to complain and criticize other members, other temple worthy and temple going members? I shared with the Salt Lake Tribune and they verified with church PR and published an article and it has spread like wildfire, as anything so disgusting should spread. In April 2024, Elder Oaks sent out to church leadership a letter on “signs of apostasy “ and I was interviewed that week by my Bishop, then Stake RS President, then Stake President. All of those people I have served and worshiped with for 3 years. I felt the church leadership-Elder Hamilton and his “good old boys club”- was deflecting or gaslighting me and others for speaking up and out, against the non-Christ like and non-gospel doctorine, being preached from the pulpit by our prophets, apostles, and other “called” male and few female figures in such positions. It’s embarrassing and shameful for me to be a part of. I will continue to teach the gospel in my home and continue to value those who actively sustain leaders in the church. Sometimes that means we speak up and out when “we”, as leaders or members in the church, are missing the mark, need refocusing and redirecting. Your words have comforted me and strengthened my resolve to sustain the leaders, to build the members who are practicing the gospel, with compliments, service, love, and respect. I know the gospel is in this imperfect church organization. I know that no matter how spiritual someone is, or what calling someone has, what keys or what authority they are given, we are not alone and we need each other. We have to look and listen to those around us. Not practice power over each other. Thank you so much.