Race has been a contentious and evolving issue within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also called the Mormon and LDS Church, shaping its identity and practices from its earliest days to the present. The history of race in the LDS Church is marked by both progress and challenges, shaped by broader societal attitudes and the evolving understanding of Blacks in Mormonism and race within the faith community.
Early Mormonism and Racial Beliefs
From its inception in 1830, members of the Mormon Church came to the new faith already steeped in the racial ideologies prevalent in American society at the time. Early Mormon leaders, particularly Joseph Smith, would condemn slavery and welcome Black people, Native Americans, and people of every race to the church. However, there were others among the members of the Church who espoused beliefs in the superiority of white Europeans and the inferiority of other racial groups, particularly Black people.
There are records of many people of various racial backgrounds being baptized into the Mormon church. At least two Black men were also ordained to the priesthood and one of them, Elijah Abel, participated in temple ordinances while the church membership lived in Kirtland, Ohio.
As many Mormons congregated in Missouri, they began to experience violence. At least part of the violence was a reaction by Missourians to the openness that Mormons employed when inviting people of all racial backgrounds to join the Mormon Church. In an effort to dissuade the violence, a Mormon newspaper wrote a few articles advising Black members of the church not to congregate in Missouri, it was also critical of the abolitionist movement, which was seen as a very radical group in the United States at the time. These tactics didn’t work and Mormons were formally expelled from Missouri by government-sanctioned violence.
Joseph Smith, the prophet and president of the Mormon Church, sought redress from the federal government for Missouri’s treatment of Mormons but did not get it. As a result, Smith mounted a campaign to run for president, one part of his campaign was the protection of all minorities, including Mormons and those of other races. Tied to this part of his platform was the abolition of slavery in the United States.
The Book of Mormon
One of the reasons that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are called Mormons is because of their belief in more scripture than the Bible, particularly the Book of Mormon. In the Book of Mormon, there are passages that describe people having dark skin. Mainstream Mormon theology interprets these scriptures as simply a description of skin color. They believe that the Book of Mormon teaches the equality of all people and the universal applicability of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They often quote a portion of the Book of Mormon that states that God loves all His children and “he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female.” Detractors of the Mormon Church interpret these scriptures in the Book of Mormon describing race as justifying racial hierarchies and condemning dark-skinned peoples.
The Priesthood and the Ban on Black Members
One of the most enduring and controversial aspects of race in the Mormon Church was the priesthood and temple ban imposed on Black members. Beginning in the mid-19th century and continuing until 1978, Black individuals were prohibited from holding the priesthood (for Black men)—an administrative position within the LDS Church—and from participating in sacred temple ordinances, including sealings and endowments (for both Black men and women).
The origins of the priesthood ban are complex and intertwined with prevailing racial attitudes of the time. You can visit various websites that take a more in-depth look into Blacks in the Priesthood Explained. While some early Mormon leaders attributed the ban to divine revelation or biblical interpretations, others framed it as a consequence of racial lineage or as a reflection of broader societal norms.
The priesthood ban had profound implications for Black Mormons, who were excluded from full participation in their faith community and often faced discrimination and marginalization. The policy also strained relationships between the LDS Church, the broader African American community, and the worldwide community, contributing to perceptions of Mormonism as racially exclusive.
The Revelation on the Priesthood
Although an end to the priesthood ban had been advocated for, as well as hoped for, for many years, it did not come until 1978. On June 1 of that year, then-President Spencer W. Kimball announced a revelation that extended the priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members, regardless of race or ethnicity. This marked a significant shift in Mormon practice and was celebrated as a long-awaited milestone of progress. The revelation also facilitated greater outreach and engagement with diverse communities, fostering efforts to reconcile past injustices and build bridges of understanding.
Contemporary Perspectives on Race
In the decades since the revelation, which allowed all Black men to be ordained to the priesthood and all Black men and women to receive temple ordinances, the LDS Church has made efforts to address issues of race and diversity within its ranks. These efforts include initiatives to promote racial inclusivity, increase representation of minority voices in church leadership and curriculum, and foster dialogue on racial reconciliation and justice. The has disavowed any past explanations or justifications for the priesthood ban.
Towards a More Inclusive Future
As the Mormon Church continues to grapple with issues of race, especially the difficulties that Blacks in Mormonism experienced, it faces both opportunities and challenges in fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. Embracing diversity, acknowledging historical injustices, and promoting racial understanding and reconciliation are essential steps toward building a more vibrant and unified faith community. Ultimately, the history of race in the Mormon Church serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward greater understanding, compassion, and unity. By confronting difficult truths, engaging in dialogue, and striving for justice and equality, Mormons can work towards realizing the vision of a truly inclusive and welcoming community for all.
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