The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is also known as the Mormon Church – has a complicated background of race relations. This article seeks to provide an objective and factual analysis of the treatment that was historically given to Black individuals within the Mormon Church and to discuss the restrictions on policy that were applied and how the Church has changed to reject traditional beliefs and practices that were that were deemed racist.
Blacks and Mormonism: A Historical Overview
Between 1852 and 1978 the Mormon Church enforced a policy that barred blacks in Mormonism from ordination to the priesthood. This policy stemmed from the interpretations of scripture as well as the racial prejudices of the period. Blacks were not allowed to take part in certain rituals or responsibilities of the Church. This resulted in segregation within the Mormon community. It is crucial to realize that this discriminatory act was not exclusive to Mormonism. In fact, it reflected racial biases that were widespread throughout American culture in the period.
Mormon Black People and the 1978 Revelation
In the year 1978, Spencer W. Kimball was blessed with what Mormons consider to be an enlightenment from God concerning the exclusion of African-Americans from the priesthood. This revelation is considered to be a pivotal point that altered the long-standing rule. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has declared that Black individuals could now hold the priesthood, and take part in all aspects of the Church.
The Church today rejects the racist ideology, while encouraging the unity of all people and encouraging everyone to join in the love of Jesus Christ, regardless of race. The doctrine today affirms the equality of everyone and emphasizes that God is a gracious God who accepts all people, regardless of race, gender or social class.
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church despite the racial prejudices of the time, showed a compassionate and fair treatment of Black people. Joseph Smith may have ordained Black men to the priesthood in his lifetime, based on the historical records. This practice was consistent with Smith’s principles of equality and inclusion within the Church. But, the next leaders put in place policies to exclude Black individuals from the priesthood, which reflected the changing societal attitudes toward race during the middle of the 19th century. For more information, click Mormons and Black People
Suppriming Racism and Moving Towards Unity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has taken significant actions in the present to tackle racism and create unity within its members. The Church’s leadership has released statements disavowing old racial prejudices and practices. The Church’s leadership has issued statements disavowing past race-based beliefs and practices.
The Church is actively promoting respect, love and understanding among its diverse members, and affirms their importance and worth. Members are educated about importance and rejection of discriminatory views, as well in promoting inclusivity, cultural awareness, and sensitiveness.
The final sentence of the article is:
Understanding the history of Blacks and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints progress on race is crucial in promoting equality and encouraging unity. The policy that restricted Blacks from priesthood ordinations for more than 100 years represents a hurtful time in the history of the Church. However, the subsequent announcement in 1978 marked the beginning of a new era, signalling an intention to promote inclusivity and equality.
The current policy of the Mormon Church is to reject the discrimination of racism, to affirm equality and advocate for acceptance and love among its members. By confronting its historical racism and taking concrete steps towards improvement The Church is moving forward along a path of unity and understanding as it strives to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected within the Mormon community.