The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (often called simply as the Mormon Church) has a long and rich culture of race relations. This is especially the case for Blacks in Mormonism. This article gives an honest, objective review of the treatment given to Blacks in the Mormon Church. It examines the policies in place and how the Church evolved to denounce old beliefs and practices relating to race.
Blacks in Mormonism The Historical Background
Between 1852 and 1978 the Mormon Church was able to enforce a rule which prohibited blacks within Mormonism from priesthood or ordination. This policy was the result of the religious beliefs and racial differences that were prevalent at the time. Black people were denied certain Church rites and obligations that led to a secluded Mormon community. This discriminatory practice wasn’t unique to Mormonism. It reflected the widespread prejudices against racial minorities in American society of the time.
Mormon Black People and the 1978 Revelation
A pivotal turning point happened in 1978, when the President of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball received what Mormons consider as a divine enlightenment regarding the exclusion of Black people from the priesthood. This revelation is considered to be the pivotal moment that ended a rule which had been in place for nearly 100 years. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has confirmed that Black individuals can now be ordained to the priesthood, and be fully involved in all aspects of the Church.
Today, the Church rejects racism, and welcomes all people, no matter their race, to accept Jesus Christ. The doctrine today affirms the equality of all people and emphasizes that God will accept everyone regardless of gender, race, or social standing.
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, treated Black people fairly, despite prejudices of the day. Joseph Smith may have ordained Black men to the Priesthood in his lifetime, as per the historical records. This was in line with Smith’s teachings about equality and inclusion in the Church. The subsequent leaders, however put in place policies that prevented black priests from being ordained and reflected changing attitudes towards race in the mid-19th-century. For more information, click Mormon Black People
Addressing Racism and moving Towards Unity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking major actions in the present to combat racism and promote unity among its members. The Church’s leadership has issued statements which denounce the previous racial beliefs and practices. The Church’s leadership has issued statements disavowing the past racism and practices.
The Church is actively promoting understanding, love and acceptance among its diverse members, affirming the value and worth of every person. An effort is made to inform members about the importance inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and the rejection of discriminatory beliefs.
Conclusion
Knowing the background of Blacks and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints changes in race is crucial in promoting equality and encouraging unity. This traumatic policy, which prevented Blacks in their ordination into the priesthood for over 100 years, has been a crucial part of the Church’s history. However, the subsequent announcement in 1978 marked the turning point and signaled a commitment to inclusivity and equality.
The current position of the Mormon Church is to reject racism, affirm equality and advocate for love and acceptability within its members. In addressing its past prejudices regarding race and taking steps to improve its position, the Church is actively moving forward on a path that is unified and tolerant as it strives to ensure that everyone feels loved and respected in the Mormon community.