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Q. What inspired you to compile and edit two volumes of Why I Stay?
A. From the beginning, I have found “Why I Stay” to be among the most interesting, rewarding, and compelling sessions presented at the annual Sunstone Symposium. Speakers at this session have tended to reflect a dynamic faith, one that is thoughtful, continually reexamined, and authentic. Having been personally inspired by these expressions, I wanted others to have an opportunity to savor, reflect, and be inspired by them.
Q. What has been the most challenging task that you faced as editor?
A. Selecting what I felt were the best expressions (considering both the oral presentations and the written essays on which they were based) and then asking the authors to ensure that their final compositions reflected the sense, tone, and spirit of their intention. After I edited each essay for clarity and stylistic consistency, I returned it to the author for any changes he or she wished to make. Editing is hard work, a process that involves a respectful, collaborative effort between writer and editor as well as negotiation and compromise. Since all of the essays in this volume were given in past years, most authors felt it necessary to update what they experience as a dynamic rather than a static faith. For purposes of diversity, some essays were solicited expressly for this collection and, therefore, were not originally presented at Sunstone.
Q. Were there any differences between editing the first and the second volumes?
A. Yes. The most significant difference was that some of those who spoke at Sunstone and gave reasons for staying ended up not staying and therefore were not considered for inclusion. Others who submitted essays later withdrew them for the same reason. One person withdrew because of the LGBTQ parent policy and another withdrew at the last minute because of joining another church. What this shows, I believe, is that the matter of staying has become much more complicated and complex over the past decade. This undoubtedly reflects what some call “The Mormon Faith Crisis.” I must say that even though I understood the reasons these Saints felt they could no longer stay, I felt a certain sadness at their not doing so.
Q. What would you say are the distinguishing elements of the essays that are included?
A. Each is unique, and yet all reflect a thoughtfully considered, evolved, and mature expression of what it means to be in a dynamic relationship with a faith and a faith community. Most, if not all, of the contributors have experienced challenges to their commitment, and yet they have found compelling reasons for staying. Not just staying, but doing so with the intention of making the church a better, more hospitable place for those who wish to make it their religious, as well as their spiritual, home.
Q. Why did you decide to add essays that were not presented at Sunstone?
A. At a time when the church is becoming more diversified (racially, ethnically, culturally, etc.), it seemed wise to include more voices that reflect that diversity, and so we sought voices that reflected a wider spectrum of what it means to be Latter-day Saint/Mormon at this juncture of the twenty-first century. Thus, half the contributors are women, three are from racial/ethnic minorities, and one is gay. Together, these voices give rich variety and dimension to the collection.
Q. I note in addition to the introduction, as with the first volume, you included your own reasons for staying. How have those changed over the past decade?
A. In my essay in this volume, as in the first, I state that among the key reasons for my staying are those related to people, principles, and commitments. But I give additional reasons, including what I consider the radically enlightened and expansive doctrines of the Restoration; the rich opportunities the church gives me for working for justice, peace, and equality; as well as for my conviction that in spite of its limitations and shortcomings, the church is a good place, as Lowell Bennion said, “to serve and be served, to bless and be blessed.” I also stay because Latter-day Saint Christianity provides me abundant opportunities to evolve spiritually, to find and make meaning, and to learn how to love better than I do. As I say at the conclusion of my essay, “I continue to stay for the possibilities and promises of what love can do.”
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