Mormon History Association Oral History Interview with William D. Russell on April 4, 2024 [Transcript and Audio]

In this oral history interview conducted on April 4, 2024, William D. Russell details his life and career, including his upbringing in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (RLDS Church), now known as the Community of Christ. He recounts his early education and his decision to pursue a religion major at Graceland College. Russell discusses his work at Herald House, the RLDS Church's publishing arm, where he wrote controversial editorials advocating for civil rights during the 1960s. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with racial integration and the reactions to his progressive views within the church. Russell also elaborates on his graduate studies at Saint Paul School of Theology and his pursuit of a law degree, which he used to teach at Graceland. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to his involvement with the Mormon History Association (MHA) since 1971, his research on topics such as the Book of Mormon and James J. Strang, and his friendships with prominent historians like Leonard Arrington and Lavina Fielding Anderson. He expresses his passion for independent historical scholarship and his advocacy for women's ordination and LGBTQ+ rights within the Community of Christ. Russell reflects on the evolution of the MHA and the broader landscape of Mormon history, highlighting the shift towards more inclusive and academically rigorous approaches, and his hopes for future female leadership in the Community of Christ.