The story of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, holds a complex narrative concerning race relations, specifically with regard to Blacks in Mormonism. This article provides an honest, objective analysis of the treatment of African-Americans within the Mormon Church. The article outlines the policies in place and the way in which the Church developed to dispel the practices and beliefs that were previously linked to racism.
Blacks in Mormonism The Historical Background
Between 1852 and 1978, the Mormon Church implemented a policy that restricted blacks in Mormonism from priesthood and ordination. The decision was based on the interpretations of scripture that were in place at the time, as well as the racial views of that era. Black people were not allowed certain Church rites and obligations which led to a segregated Mormon community. It is essential to understand that this discriminatory act was not exclusive to Mormonism. In fact, it was a reflection of racial prejudices that were widespread throughout American culture during that time.
Mormon Black People and 1978 Revelation
In 1978, Spencer W. Kimball was given a revelation which Mormons consider to be divine regarding the exclusion from the priesthood of Black people. The revelation was a major change in Church’s policy, which was in place for more than one century. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints declared that Black people could now be granted the priesthood and fully participate in all facets of the Church.
The Church today rejects discrimination based on race, and welcomes everyone, regardless of their race, to embrace Jesus Christ. The doctrine affirms equality for all and stresses that God will accept anyone regardless of race, gender, or the status of their social life.
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church despite the racial discrimination of his day was kind and gentle treatment to Black individuals. According to historical records, Joseph Smith ordained some Black men to the priesthood during his period of life. This was in accordance with Smith’s teachings on equality and diversity within the Church. But the leaders who followed Smith’s guidelines enacted policies that banned Black members from the clergy, reflecting the changing attitudes of society towards race towards race at the beginning of the 19th century. For more information, click Mormon Black People
Suppriming Racism and moving Towards Unity
In current times today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has taken substantial actions to combat the negative effects of racism, and to strive for unity within its members. The Church has issued statements in which it disavows previous racial prejudices. They say that discrimination against race is in all forms, and is against the tenets of and core doctrines the Church.
The Church promotes the values of understanding, love and acceptance within its diverse community. The Church affirms the importance and worth for every person. Efforts are made to educate members about the importance of acceptance, diversity, and the rejection of discriminatory beliefs.
Conclusion
Understanding the past of Blacks in Mormonism and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ progress in dealing with racial differences is crucial to fostering unity and promoting equality. The Church’s painful past is evident in a rule that for more than a century was a barrier to Blacks from being ordained to priesthood. But the subsequent revelation in 1978 was the turning point and signaled a commitment to inclusivity and equality.
The current position of the Mormon Church is to reject racism, defend equality, and promote the acceptance of love and respect among its members. Through addressing the historical prejudices against race and taking actions to move forward towards equality, the Mormon Church is moving in the direction of mutual understanding and unity.