The past of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, holds a multi-layered story about race relations, specifically with regard to Blacks within Mormonism. This article is a factual, objective look at the treatment of African-Americans within the Mormon Church. The article outlines the policies and practices that were put in place and how the Church evolved to denounce old beliefs and practices linked to racism.
Blacks in Mormonism – Historical Overview
Between 1852-1978, Mormon Church had a law that prohibited blacks from being ordained to the priesthood. This restriction was a result of beliefs in the scriptures and racial beliefs of the period. Black people were not allowed certain Church rituals and duties which led to a segregated Mormon community. It’s essential to acknowledge that this discrimination was not unique to Mormonism It was a reflection of the widespread racial prejudices that were prevalent in American society during that era.
Mormon Black People and the 1978 Revelation
The turning point in history occurred in 1978 when the then president of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball was given what Mormons consider to be an angelic revelation concerning the exclusion of Black individuals from priesthood. The revelation, which is considered to be a pivotal moment, lifted the restriction that was in place for over 100 years. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has established that Black people can now claim the priesthood and fully participate with all aspects of the church.
Today, the Church rejects racism, and welcomes anyone, regardless of their race, to embrace Jesus Christ. The doctrine of today affirms the equality of all individuals insisting that God is a gracious God who accepts all people, regardless of gender, race, or social class. For more information, click Mormons and Black People
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
In spite of the prejudices against race that prevailed in his time, the Mormon Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, demonstrated an exemplary level of fairness to Black individuals. Joseph Smith is known to have conferred Black people with the priesthood in his time. This was in keeping with Smith’s teachings regarding equality and inclusion in the Church. However, the subsequent leaders implemented policies restricting Black people from priesthood, which reflected the changing societal attitudes toward race during the mid-19th century.
Addressing Racism and moving Towards Unity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking significant actions to tackle racism and create unity among its members. The Church has issued statements in which it disavows past racial beliefs. They insist that racism, in any form, is against the teachings and doctrines that the Church has enunciated.
The Church actively encourages understanding, love, and acceptance among its diverse membership by recognizing the worth and worth of each person. An effort is made to inform members about the importance of inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and to reject discriminatory beliefs.
We also have a conclusion.
Knowing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saintstheir evolution in dealing with issues of race and the past of Blacks within Mormonism is essential to foster unity. The Church’s painful past can be seen in a law that for over a century barred Blacks from ordination to the priesthood. The announcement in 1978, however, was a crucial moment in the Church’s embrace of inclusivity and equal rights.
The current stance of the Mormon Church rejects racism, promotes equality and stands for acceptance and love among all its members. In addressing its past prejudices regarding race and taking steps towards improvement, the Church is actively moving forward along a path of understanding and unity and ensuring that each member feels loved and respected in the Mormon community.