The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church – has a complex relationship with race. This article provides an objective, factual review of the treatment given to Blacks in the Mormon Church. It discusses the policies implemented and the way in which the Church evolved to denounce previous beliefs and practices that are linked to race.
Blacks and Mormonism A Historical Overview
Between 1852-1978, the Mormon Church had a law which barred blacks from ordination to the priesthood. This restriction was a result of beliefs in the scriptures and racial prejudices of the period. Black individuals were denied certain Church rituals, rites and duties, resulting in a segregated Mormon community. It’s essential to acknowledge that this discriminatory act was not exclusive to Mormonism however, it revealed the widespread prejudices against race that were prevalent in American society during that era.
Mormon Black Peoples and the 1978 Revelation
The year 1978 marked an important turning point in the history of Mormonism. Spencer W. Kimball was the Church’s president at the time and had a “divine revelation” regarding the exclusion of the priesthood of Black people. This revelation, believed to be a pivotal moment, lifted the ban which had been in effect for over a century. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has established that Black individuals can now be ordained to the priesthood, and participate fully with all aspects of the church.
The Church’s position today is to reject racist notions, striving for unification and welcoming all people, regardless of their racial background, to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. The doctrine now affirms the equality of all people by stating that God is a gracious God who accepts all people, regardless of race, gender or social standing.
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, treated Black people with respect, despite the prejudices of the day. Joseph Smith is known to have conferred Black people with the priesthood during his lifetime. This was in line with Smith’s teachings on equality and inclusion within the Church. However, later leaders adopted policies that barred Black individuals from the priesthood, which reflected the changing social attitudes towards race in the latter half of the 19th century. For more information, click Mormon Black People
Suppriming Racism and moving Towards Unity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking major actions to fight racism and encourage unity among its members. The Church has issued statements that denounce the past beliefs about race. They stress that racism regardless of form is against the teachings and core doctrines the Church.
The Church is actively promoting understanding, acceptance, and love among its diverse membership by recognizing the worth and worth of each person. The Church is determined to inform its members about the significance of cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.
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Knowing the background of Blacks in Mormonism and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the evolution of addressing racial issues is crucial for fostering unity and equality. The Church’s painful past is evident in a rule that for more than a century was a barrier to Blacks from ordination to the priesthood. However, the subsequent announcement in 1978 was an important turning point, signalling an intention to promote inclusivity and equality.
The current stance of the Mormon Church rejects racism, affirms equality, and advocates for a sense of love and respect among all its members. In addressing its past racism and taking concrete steps to improve its position The Church is moving forward on a path of harmony and understanding as it strives to ensure that each member feels loved and respected in the Mormon community.
