The University of Utah Libraries continues to maintain the Sonia Johnson papers, a collection documenting the activist's 1979 excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her prominent leadership within the Mormons for ERA group. The archives preserve decades of records detailing her struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment and her subsequent life as a feminist leader.
Rise of a Mormon Feminist
Sonia Johnson, born Sonia Ann Harris, emerged as a national figure in the late 1970s due to her vocal support for the Equal Rights Amendment. Her journey as a public advocate began in 1977 when she joined friends at an ERA Parade in Washington, D.C., under the banner of "Mormons for ERA." This public stance brought her immediate attention from both supporters and critics within the Latter-day Saint community, some of whom warned her she was "of the devil."
Conflict with Senate Committee
Johnson's national profile increased significantly following her August 1978 testimony before the U.S. Senate Constitutional Rights Subcommittee. During the hearing, she argued that her religious beliefs were not in conflict with the ERA, stating that to be LDS was to believe in gender equality. This testimony led to a direct conflict with Utah's Senator Orrin Hatch, who questioned her testimony extensively during the proceedings.
The Excommunication Trial
Tension between Johnson's activism and her faith culminated in a high-profile religious trial. In November 1979, Johnson was called to an LDS Bishop's Court after facing scrutiny from her local bishop, Bishop Willis, regarding her participation in what was described as a "Mother of Heaven" cult. While the church stated her beliefs regarding the ERA were not the issue, she was officially charged with teaching false doctrine, damaging internal church social programs, and hindering the world-wide missionary program.
The Church's Decision
Following the trial on December 1, 1979, Johnson was officially excommunicated from the LDS Church on December 5, 1979. She attempted to appeal the decision, but the ruling was upheld by a Church High Council Court on April 6, 1980. Throughout the proceedings, Johnson maintained that she was not seeking to overthrow church leadership but was solely concerned with the passage of the ERA. She even offered to formally repent during the trial.
Continued Activism and Writing
Despite the excommunication, Johnson remained a dedicated leader for women's rights, serving as president of the national Mormons for ERA group. Her activism led to significant media exposure, including appearances on the Phil Donahue program and various television talk shows. In 1981, she published her book, "From Housewife to Heretic," which detailed her transition into feminism and received both acclaim and criticism upon its release.
Life and Education
The archives at the University of Utah contain extensive documentation of Johnson's life and travels. Born in Malad City, Idaho, on February 27, 1936, Johnson's family moved frequently due to her father's career as a seminary teacher. She earned her B.A. in English from Utah State University in 1958 and later obtained her master's and Ed.D. degrees from Rutgers University. Between 1960 and 1976, Johnson and her husband, Richard Theodore Johnson, taught English at various international institutions in Nigeria, Malawi, Korea, and Malaysia.
Later Years in Arizona
In more recent years, Johnson has expressed disillusionment with politics, stating in a 2019 interview that she views the women's movement as dead. Now living in Arizona with Jade DeForest, Johnson continues to promote women's rights despite her stated disappointment with political structures.
