The LDS Church’s retention rate may fall even further | Episode 453
Summary
Hosts Dave Noyce and Peggy Fletcher-Stack interview Janet Rees about declining LDS retention, particularly among young women. Rees attributes this trend to political polarization, purity culture messaging, and perceived powerlessness within the church. She notes that while the church is making adjustments, most leavers do not reaffiliate with other religions. Rees also promotes her upcoming book, *Leaving Mormonism*.
Topics discussed
Intro: Mormonland podcast and retention debate context
Retention data: Trends for women and Gen Z
Reason 1: Politics and social issues driving disaffiliation
Reason 2: Purity culture and modesty messaging
Reason 3: Perceived powerlessness and inequality
Impact of retention on volunteer staffing and culture
Guest's personal view and upcoming book release
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