Conclusion

Outside of every church meeting house of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one will find a sign that reads, "Visitors Welcome." Although it is a lovely sentiment welcoming visitors to come and worship, there are many baptized, believing, and actively attending members of the Church who do not feel welcome. My research focused on increasing the visibility of women within the Church, but I cannot fail to mention the increased visibility other marginalized groups desire, seek, and deserve.

I am saddened by the lack of female representation in my church, I am devastated at how LGBTQ+, people of color, single members, and other groups have been or continue to be treated within the Church framework. Sometimes it feels like I walk on the outer edges of church membership, and sometimes it feels lonely as I break social and expected norms at church. Sometimes I am able to lay the foundation for some positive changes, and sometimes I have been devastatingly misunderstood.

Many people wonder how or why I choose to remain in a religion that causes me disappointment, frustration, and pain. I have a strong faith and belief in Jesus Christ. I love so many things about the framework of the Church and the doctrines of its gospel. It is within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I learned about Jesus Christ, it is where I learned to commune with the Divine. It is part of who I am and what I am. I believe God has yet to reveal many great and important things within the Church. Some may call it a delusion, but I am hopeful. I believe God has a place for ALL of us in the Kingdom of God and I believe it starts with making space for all of us in the Church here on earth.

The overall goal of my compendium is for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to use my data and research to frame conversations at dinner tables, in church lessons, on social media sites, or in church planning meetings. It has been my experience that many church members, especially my male church leaders (who are the ones in control of change), haven't considered many of the frustrations and concerns of female members of the Church. I believe it isn't due to bigotry, or even ignorance on their part, it is simply because it hasn't been brought to their attention. If my research does nothing else but bring these issues and concerns to even just a handful of male leaders, I will trust ripple effects for awareness will trickle through our church, and women will be seen, used, and valued to their fullest potentials.