The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is also known as the Mormon Church – has a complex relationship with race. This article aims to provide a factual and objective examination of the history of treatment for Black people within the Mormon Church, discussing the policies that were applied and how the Church has evolved to disavow past beliefs and practices that were deemed racist.
Blacks in Mormonism History Overview
Between 1852-1978, Mormon Church had a rule which barred blacks from ordination to the priesthood. This policy was the result of religious and racial beliefs at the time. The black community was not allowed to take part in certain rituals or responsibilities of the Church. This resulted in segregation within the Mormon community. It’s crucial to acknowledge the fact that this discrimination was not exclusive to Mormonism It represented the widespread prejudices racial which were prevalent in American society in the era of.
Mormon Black Peoples and the 1978 Revelation
In the year 1978, Spencer W. Kimball received what Mormons believe to be revelations from God about the exclusion of African-Americans from the priesthood. The revelation is believed to be a pivotal point which changed the long-standing policy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints affirmed that Black individuals were now able to hold the priesthood and fully participate in the activities of the Church.
The Church’s position today is to reject the racist ideology, seeking unity and welcoming everyone, regardless of their racial background, to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The doctrine is now announcing the equality of all individuals insisting that God will accept everyone regardless of race, gender or social standing. For more information, click Mormons Racist
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, treated Black people with respect, despite the prejudices that were prevalent at the time. Joseph Smith is known to have ordained Blacks into the priesthood during his lifetime. This was in accordance with Smith’s teachings regarding equality and inclusion in the Church. However, the subsequent leaders have implemented policies that barred Priests of African descent from becoming priests and reflected changing attitudes towards race in the mid-19th-century.
Addressing Racism and Moving Towards Unity
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints leaders have taken significant measures to confront the current racism and promote unity among its members. The Church’s leadership has issued statements that denounce previous racial practices and beliefs. They stress that racism in any form is incompatible with the beliefs of Jesus Christ and the core beliefs of the Church.
The Church actively promotes understanding, love, and acceptance within its diverse community which affirms the importance and worth of each person. Members are educated on the importance and rejection of the discriminatory viewpoints, aswell inclusion, cultural awareness, and sensitivity.
Conclusion
Knowing the background of Blacks and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints progress on issues of race is vital to ensure equality and promote unity. This difficult policy, which prevented Blacks from ordination to the priesthood for more than 100 years, has been an important part of Church history. The announcement in 1978, however, was a significant moment in the Church’s embrace of equality and inclusion.
The current stance of the Mormon Church opposes racism and recognizes equality. It also advocates unconditional love and respect for all its members. In addressing the prejudices of history in the face of race, and taking actions to move forward towards equality, the Mormon Church is moving towards acceptance and understanding.