The rank and file of the Mormon Church in the United States is widely, and correctly, perceived to be overwhelmingly conservative-leaning and deferential to authority. It is the vocal members of the more progressive-leaning Mormon left, however, that seem to be getting all the attention lately. This can been seen in the news media coverage surrounding this summer's church disciplinary actions against high-profile feminists and intellectuals.
While some Mormon leaders have called for compassion and understanding towards these individuals, other leaders have reminded those who disagree with the Church's policy on female ordination, for example, that they are a very small minority. Is this the case, though? Do we know about how many Mormons constitute that minority? Whether or not the Mormon Left is a substantial minority or an extreme super-minority may have important ramifications for the viability and success of future efforts by Mormon intellectuals and progressives to shape the future direction of their faith tradition.
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