In a remarkable display of civic engagement, members of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) recently convened in Provo, Utah, to craft quilts bearing messages from constituents, a poignant effort aimed at delivering their concerns directly to elected officials. This initiative, which took place on 10 April 2025, underscores a broader movement among Mormon women seeking to reshape the political dialogue in a state traditionally dominated by Republican ideologies.
A New Era of Political Activism
Emma Petty Addams, co-director of MWEG, epitomises the evolving identity of Mormon women in the political sphere. Raised in a conservative environment in California, Addams, who identified as a Republican during her time at Stanford University, has always sought common ground amid partisan divides. Today, she remains committed to her faith and political beliefs, yet her activism now also embraces the ideals of democracy and representation for all, even at the cost of Republican dominance in her district.
“It’s about ensuring my neighbours receive proper representation,” Addams stated, noting that she is prepared to lose a respected Republican representative if it means advancing democratic values in Utah. Her sentiment reflects a significant shift among Mormon women, often mischaracterised as passive or traditional in their roles.
The Birth of a Movement
MWEG originated as a Facebook group in 2017, formed by conservative Mormon women who were distressed by President Trump’s rhetoric regarding women, minorities, and immigration. This platform provided a sanctuary for those seeking to engage politically in a safe, faith-based environment. Addams, who had previously shied away from political engagement, found her voice as she became increasingly alarmed by the implications of Trump’s policies.
“This narrative of invasion was not how I viewed the immigrant experience,” Addams remarked, highlighting the disconnect many felt between their religious values and the political climate at the time. As membership soared from 4,000 to 9,000 in just a few years, MWEG evolved into one of Utah’s largest women-led civic organisations, representing a diverse array of political beliefs.
Challenging Gerrymandering in Utah
One of MWEG’s most significant achievements has been its legal battle against partisan gerrymandering in Utah. Following the passage of Proposition 4 in 2018, which established an independent commission for drawing electoral districts, the group faced a setback when Republican lawmakers repealed the proposition and manipulated district boundaries to favour their party.
In response, MWEG, alongside the League of Women Voters of Utah, filed a lawsuit claiming that the legislature’s actions violated the state constitution. After a prolonged struggle, they secured a victory, compelling state lawmakers to redraw maps that may allow the election of Utah’s first Democratic congressional representative since 2020.
Addams expressed the importance of this victory, stating, “This was an overreach of power. Utah voters passed Proposition 4 to ensure fairness in representation.” The implications of this ruling could be substantial, as it sets the stage for a potential shift in Utah’s political landscape.
Bridging Faith and Civic Responsibility
The members of MWEG are navigating the complexities of their faith while advocating for civic engagement. While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains a neutral stance on political matters, MWEG believes that their faith informs their commitment to ethical governance and community improvement.
Co-executive director Jennifer Walker emphasised, “The church encourages individuals to take civic stands. We are using our faith as a lens through which to engage with the world.” Despite facing scrutiny from conservative factions within their community, MWEG continues to assert its nonpartisan mission focused on human dignity and constitutional rights.
Looking Ahead: The Fight for Fair Representation Continues
As MWEG prepares for its next chapter, the organisation is committed to promoting skills such as media literacy and conflict resolution to counteract political divisiveness. With concerns about executive overreach and a growing desire to restore Congress’s role as the pre-eminent governing body, Addams and her colleagues are resolute in their mission.
Currently, the Utah Republican Party is attempting to repeal Proposition 4, seeking a significant number of signatures to place the repeal on the ballot later this year. MWEG is actively campaigning against this initiative, urging constituents to recognise the importance of fair representation.
Walker encapsulated the group’s ethos: “We choose to stand for the constitution, human dignity, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. That is the side we’re on, regardless of the immediate political benefits.”
Why it Matters
The activities of MWEG illustrate a broader shift in the political engagement of Mormon women, challenging stereotypes and redefining their role within a traditionally conservative landscape. As they continue to advocate for ethical governance and fair representation, their efforts could serve as a model for similar movements across the United States, fostering a new era of bipartisan collaboration and civic responsibility that transcends party lines. This grassroots activism not only empowers women within their communities but also reshapes the political narrative in Utah and beyond.
