The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (often known as simply the Mormon Church) has a rich tradition of race relations. This is particularly true for Blacks in Mormonism. This article is designed to offer a factual and objective examination of the treatment that was historically given to Black members of the Mormon Church in addition to examining the policies that were implemented and the ways in which the Church is now able to dispel traditional beliefs and practices that were which were associated with racism.
Blacks and Mormonism A Historical Review
Between 1852 and 1978, the Mormon Church was able to enforce a rule which barred blacks from Mormonism from priesthood ordination. The decision was based on the scriptures that were being interpreted that were in place at the time, as well as the racial views of that era. Blacks were not allowed to participate in certain rites and obligations of the Church. This led to discrimination in the Mormon community. It is vital to acknowledge that this discriminatory act wasn’t exclusive to Mormonism. In fact, it represented racial biases commonplace throughout American culture during that period.
Mormon Black People and the 1978 Revelation
In the year 1978, Spencer W. Kimball received a revelation in 1978 that Mormons believe to be divine in regard to the exclusion from the priesthood for Black people. This revelation is considered to be the pivotal event that lifted a policy that had been in effect for more than 100 years. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has announced that blacks were now priests, and could participate in the Church’s activities in all areas. For more information, click Mormons Racist
The Church today rejects any notions of racism and strives to achieve peace, welcoming everyone regardless of race or ethnicity to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The doctrine now affirms the equality of all people insisting that God will accept everyone regardless of race, gender, or social class.
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Despite the racial prejudices prevalent in his time The Mormon Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, demonstrated fairly equitable treatment for Black individuals. Joseph Smith is known to have been the first to appoint Black people to the priesthood during his time. This was in keeping with Smith’s teachings on equality and inclusion in the Church. However, the leaders who followed adopted policies that barred Black individuals from the priesthood, reflecting the changing societal attitudes toward race during the latter half of the 19th century.
Racism and Unity: How to address it
In the present today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has taken significant steps to address the consequences of racism and seek unity among its members. The Church’s leadership has issued statements that denounce past racial beliefs and practices. They stress that racism of any kind is against the tenets of and doctrines that the Church has enunciated.
The Church aims to promote compassion, understanding and love among its diverse members. It affirms the importance and value of every individual. It is a priority to teach members about the importance of acceptance, diversity, and to reject religious beliefs that are discriminatory.
Conclusion
Knowing the background of Blacks in Mormonism and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ development in dealing with racial differences is crucial to building unity and promoting equality. The Church’s painful past is reflected in a policy that, for a long time, was a barrier to Blacks from ordination to the priesthood. But the subsequent revelation in 1978 marked the turning point and signaled an intention to promote inclusivity and equality.
The current position adopted by the Mormon Church opposes racism and promotes equality. It also advocates the love and acceptance of all of its members. In addressing its past prejudices regarding race and taking steps toward progress, the Church is actively moving forward in a direction of understanding and unity as it strives to ensure that everyone feels valued and valued within the Mormon community.