The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is also known as the Mormon Church – has a complicated history of race relations. This article offers a factual, objective look at the treatment of blacks in the Mormon Church. It explains the policies that were implemented and how the Church developed to dispel the practices and beliefs that were previously linked to racism.
Blacks are part of Mormonism – Historical Overview
Between 1852 and 1978 between 1852 and 1978 the Mormon Church was able to enforce a rule that barred blacks in Mormonism from priesthood ordination. The decision was based on the scriptures’ interpretations and opinions of the day regarding race. The black community was not allowed to take part in certain rites or duties of the Church. This led to discrimination in the Mormon community. It is important to recognize the fact that this discrimination wasn’t unique to Mormonism but rather revealed the widespread prejudices against race present in American society at the time.
The Mormon Black Peoples, the 1978 Revelation
A pivotal turning point happened in 1978 when the President of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball, received what Mormons believe was a revelation from God regarding the exclusion of Black individuals from the priesthood. This revelation was regarded as a pivotal event that lifted the ban that had been in place for more than a century. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints confirmed that Black individuals could now hold the priesthood and fully participate in all aspects of the Church.
The Church’s current position rejects racism, and is aiming at unification and welcoming all people regardless of race background, to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The doctrine of today asserts that all people are equal and focuses on God’s acceptance of everyone regardless of their gender, race, social status, or other factors.
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Despite the prejudices racialized of the time the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, demonstrated fairly equitable treatment of Black individuals. Joseph Smith may have ordained Black men to the Priesthood during his lifetime, according to historical records. This was in accordance with Smith’s teachings about equality and inclusion in the Church. However, later leaders adopted policies that barred Black people from priesthood, reflecting the evolving social attitudes towards race in the mid-19th century. For more information, click Mormons Racist
Racism in the United States The Call to Act
In contemporary times, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has taken significant steps to address the consequences of racism and strive for unity within its members. The Church’s leadership has released statements discrediting old racial prejudices and practices. They insist that racism of any kind is in violation of the Church’s teachings and core doctrines the Church.
The Church actively promotes acceptance, love and understanding among its diverse members, affirming their value and worth. Members are educated about the significance and importance of avoiding the discriminatory viewpoints, aswell being aware of cultural diversity, inclusivity and tolerance.
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Understanding the history of Blacks in Mormonism and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the evolution of dealing with racial discrimination is essential in fostering unity and encouraging equality. The Church’s past of pain is reflected in a policy that, for more than a century, prohibited Blacks from ordination to the priesthood. The revelation of 1978, however, was a significant moment, signaling an embrace of inclusivity and equal rights.
The current position of the Mormon Church rejects racism, promotes equality and stands for acceptance and love among all its members. By confronting the past’s prejudices against race and taking steps in the direction of progress in this direction, the Mormon Church is moving forward towards a greater mutual understanding and solidarity.
