Although significant changes in the Church will need to come from top leadership, there are many (seemingly insignificant) changes local leaders and congregations can make to effect positive and lasting change for women within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been my experience that having conversations, that may initially feel uncomfortable are a much-needed springboard towards future change.

Within the Church, there are no rules or policies stating that a woman shouldn't wear pants to church. Although what a woman wears has no bearing on their visibility (or lack of) within the Church, the "normal expectation" is for women to wear dresses or skirts and is a prime example of cultural and traditional obstacles within the Church.

"I would think fantastic! And then I would be upset at myself that I noticed in the first place, it shouldn't matter what people wear." - Male Participant

"If a women wears pants and they are dress pants I don’t think there should be any concerns. But are they wearing pants to get noticed or to try and be more manly? The roles of a women and a man in the world are different. I would love to not wear a suit and tie but we do it out of respect to the lord." - Male Participant

"I'm sad to say my instinct would be "that's not what we do." But I don't like that." - Female Participant

"I’d notice and think I’m glad someone had more gumption to do what I often want to do!" - Female Participant

"At this point of my life I would think a woman wearing pants in a Sacrament meeting would be likely to be a nonmember, or a really progressive and outspoken person within the faith (the latter being highly unlikely)." - Female Participant

"Initial thought are they trying to be rebellious or trying to just be comfortable in their skin?" I don't like that I have that thought. I wish I just didn't react at all...trying to improve." - Male Participant

"I would definitely notice it and wonder if they are making a statement or is it just what they happened to wear, because in our area it isn't common. But there is nothing wrong with pants and it shouldn't be attached to making a statement, that's unfortunate that there is a stigma associated with it. - Male Participant

"It's about time! It does show that it's been so taboo to do so for so long that any reaction would happen." - Female Participant

** It is important to note geographical location plays a factor in the answers and responses to this question. In Utah (and I would add in Arizona and Idaho, and congregations with more conversative demographics) it is far less culturally acceptable for women to wear pants. Many responses from zip codes in the eastern part of the United States showed responses similar to this one:

"Really...my wife has been wearing pants to Church for 20 years...no one has ever commented. She was called and served in the Stake Relief Society Presidency while wearing pants. Again...this is tradition or policy, not revelation and doctrine." - Male Participant

"I am ok with women being witnesses to observe ordiances, but at the same time it kind of makes me sad. I feel like more women are being asked to do more of our priesthood holder's responsibilities. I am not looking forward to more changes where there are less priesthood holders fulfilling assignments. However, I'll just accept whatever the prophet says needs to happen to help the work more forth." - Female Participant

When asked about what changes they would like to see:

I don't want to speculate on that. - Male Participant