The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which is often known as the Mormon Church, holds a multi-layered story about race relations, specifically with regard to Blacks in Mormonism. This article offers an objective, factual look at the treatment of African-Americans within the Mormon Church. It explains the policies implemented and the way in which the Church changed to reject past beliefs and practices related to racism.
Blacks in Mormonism The Historical Background
Between 1852-1978, the Mormon Church had a rule which prohibited blacks from ordination to the priesthood. This restriction was a result of interpretations of scripture and racial prejudices of the time. Black people were not permitted certain Church rituals and duties, resulting in a segregated Mormon community. It’s essential to acknowledge that this discriminatory practice was not unique to Mormonism; rather, it represented the widespread prejudices racial present in American society during that era.
Mormon Black People and the 1978 Revelation
1978 was the beginning of a major turning point in the Mormonism’s history. Spencer W. Kimball was the church’s president at the time and was given a “divine revelation” regarding the exclusion from the priesthood of Black people. The revelation was considered to be a pivotal event that lifted the policy that was in place for over one century. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has declared that Black individuals can now be ordained to the priesthood, and be fully involved in all facets of their Church.
Today, the Church rejects discrimination against people of color, and invites all people, no matter their race, to accept Jesus Christ. The doctrine of today asserts that all people are equal and emphasizes God’s acceptance of anyone, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other aspects. For more information, click Mormons Racist
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church despite the racial discrimination of his day, showed a kind and gentle treatment to Black people. Joseph Smith may have ordained Black men to the priesthood in his lifetime, based on the historical records. This was in accordance with Smith’s teachings on equality and inclusion within the Church. The next leaders, however had policies in place that prohibited Blacks from becoming priests which reflected the changing attitudes toward race in the mid-19th-century.
Racism in America A Call to Action
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking major actions in the present to fight racism and encourage unity among its members. The Church has made statements that have renounced old racial convictions. The Church’s leadership has issued statements condemning past racial beliefs and practices.
The Church is actively promoting understanding, compassion, and tolerance across its diverse congregation by recognizing the worth and value of every person. It is a priority to teach members about the importance inclusion, cultural sensitivity and to reject religious beliefs that are discriminatory.
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 crucial to building unity. This painful policy, which impeded Blacks from ordination to the priesthood for more than 100 years, has been an important aspect of the Church’s history. The announcements concerning this policy marked a turning point and signaled a commitment towards equality and inclusion.
The current position adopted by the Mormon Church opposes racism and affirms equality. The Church also promotes unconditional love and respect for all its members. By confronting the past’s prejudices against race, and taking steps to move forward in this direction, the Mormon Church is moving toward acceptance and understanding.
