N.L. CRRISTENSEN Sgzpps league Newspapers SALT LAKE CITY – “We are for the rights of women. We encourage our members in spiritual and cultural refinement. in home and vocational skllh . . . and in a continuing quest for education.” Thus summarized Barbara B. Smith. gateral president of t.he LDS Relief Society. in an interview at her Salt lake City office. She spoke as Morrnorrs planned ‘or engaged in sesqrricentennial activltres marking l50 years since the church was founded April 6. lim in Fayette. N.-Y. Today the church comprises so million last decade. The Relief Society itself observed its 138th anniversary last month. having been organized in Nauvoo. Ill.. by Joseph Smith. From the fivestory Relief Society Building on the Mormon headquarters block – a structure financed by the women themselves – Pres Smith discussed the women’s program of t.he church. which has received I some national focus with the widelypublioired excommunication of Sonia Johnson. Mrs. Johnson. Sterling. Va., a founder of a group called “Mormous for ERA.” was dropped from church rollslby a ”hlshop’s court” in her home municated because she worked for the Equal Rights Amendment. which the church opposes Mrs. Smith denied this. The action was taken because of Mrs. Johnsons criticism of church leadership and policies. she declared Basically the church opposes ERA on moral grounds. seeing it as a threat to the traditional family unit. and believing it unnecessary – in the light of present laws – to ensure equality of the sexes. according to Mrs. Smit . l She added the apprehension that rl ERA passes. women will lose some protections and distinctions they now enjoy since present laws recognise certain differences in the sexes. physically and in the roles they play in society. u… e…r.i. i. .4.. ..ar. ..1 mourn t-rin Smith. and the mother of seven children Her husband is president of Beneficial Life Insurance Comny. She is the l0th president of the elief Society Her own roots in Mornism go deep her progenitors havg joined just seven years after the bhumi was loomed. T The Relief Society. Pres. Smith said. t strong emphasis. at the time of its rmation in tB42. on compassionate services . . vspreading sunshine” and helping the sick and the needy. it also irsiouraged the pursuit of knowledge in meeting needs of family and hvmmunity. ‘ “‘foday we still pursue these goals.” gs Smith said. Alluding to the name. .ra.r ca.-a.i.. 4’ to.- mmm.-.r..i”You might say we work for ‘reliefl from poverty. sorrow. selfishness. apathy. ignorance. immorality. worldliness. mediocrity. fear. loneliness. time-wasting. and personal limitations. “We believe the home is the center of leaming. that a good. strong home is the first line of defense against every social ill Under our doctrine. parents are not involved in power stnrggles between the sexes but strive to work together in partnerships.” she explained. Nearly all housewives mirst accept the “dishes. dusting. and diapering” tasks for a time. the president commented. e –’11m’e aa at erinnld be Wa hun. every woman will learn these tasks well. They help provide a discipline that prepares women to reach out to greater learning and accomplishment.” she comments! Exhibit-teaching rooms in the Relief Society building are replete with examples of women’s art. handicraft. beautifully-crafted quilts. and suggestions for a rewarding home life as well as career development. Relief Society, recounted Mrs. Smith. has taken the lead In many progressive programs – such as grain storage for emergencies in pioneer times. establishing hosmtal and nursing classes. operating a ndlcraft shop as an outlet for women’s handiwork andaioaeeriru an adoration aneimr