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Ex-Mormon researcher discusses why young LDS women are leaving the church

September 24, 2026 at 2:02 AM MT · via Wheat and Tares · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

Ex-Mormon researcher discusses why young LDS women are leaving the church
Image via Wheat and Tares

The At Last She Said It podcast hosted researcher Jana Reiss to discuss a striking demographic shift: far more young women are now leaving the church as they come of age compared to prior generations, when retention patterns favored women.

Reiss, whose survey work has tracked faith crisis patterns, explores what drives the change. Her 2011-2013 surveys found 47% of respondents cited women's issues as significant factors in their departure, rising to 63% among women specifically.

The discussion examines whether the church's positions on women's roles, LGBTQ issues, and institutional power are creating what Reiss frames as "red flags" for a generation of young women evaluating their participation.

Read the full story at Wheat and Tares

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