The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, holds a intricate story regarding race relations, specifically with regard to Blacks in Mormonism. This article is designed to offer a factual and objective examination of the past treatment of Black people in the Mormon Church as well as the policies that were applied and how the Church is now able to dispel old beliefs and practices that are which were associated with racism.
Blacks and Mormonism A Historical Perspective
From 1852 to 1978, between 1852 and 1978, Mormon Church enforced a rule prohibiting blacks from being priests. This restriction was based on the religious interpretations of scripture as well as religious beliefs that were prevalent at the time. Black individuals were excluded from certain rituals and responsibilities in the Church, resulting in discrimination in the Mormon community. This discriminatory behavior wasn’t exclusive to Mormonism. It was a reflection of the widespread racial prejudices in American society at that time.
Mormon Black People and the 1978 Revelation
The turning point in history occurred in 1978, when the president of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball, received what Mormons believe as a divine enlightenment concerning the exclusion of Black people from priesthood. This revelation is considered to be a 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 confirmed that Black individuals can now be ordained to the priesthood and take part in all aspects of the Church.
The Church today rejects discrimination based on race, and welcomes all people, no matter their race, to believe in Jesus Christ. The doctrine of today affirms the equality of all individuals, emphasizing that God accepts everyone, irrespective of race, gender, or social status.
Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals
Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church despite the racial discrimination of his day, showed a fair and tolerant treatment towards Black individuals. Joseph Smith may have ordained Black men to the priesthood during his lifetime, as per documents from the past. This practice was in keeping with Smith’s principles of equality and inclusion within the Church. The next leaders, however had policies in place that prohibited Priests of African descent from becoming priests in a sign of changing attitudes toward race towards the mid-19th century.
Racism and Unity: What to Address it
In the present, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has taken substantial measures to confront the effects of racism and work towards unity among its members. The Church leadership has released statements disavowing past racial practices and beliefs. They emphasize that racism in any form is incompatible with the beliefs of Jesus Christ and the core doctrines of the Church.
The Church actively promotes understanding, love and respect among its diverse community, recognizing the worth and importance of each individual. Members are educated on the importance of and opposition to discriminatory views, as well in promoting inclusivity, cultural awareness and sensibility.
Conclusion
Knowing the background of Blacks and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints development on the issue of race is necessary to promote equality and foster unity. This difficult policy, which limited Blacks from ordination to the priesthood for more than 100 years, has been a significant part of Church history. However, the subsequent announcement in 1978 was the turning point and signaled the Church’s commitment to inclusion and equality.
The current position taken by the Mormon Church opposes racism and promotes equality. The Church also promotes love and acceptance for all its members. In addressing the prejudices of history against race, and taking steps in the direction of progress towards equality, the Mormon Church is moving forward toward mutual understanding and unity.