A few days ago I posted this article to address a few of the hot topics currently being discussed, in the news and online, about Mormon beliefs and practices. And this week, once again, based on a number of news reports circulating on the Internet, I feel the need to discuss the question: Are Mormons racist?





The issue of Mormons and racism is a concern to many modern-day Latter-day Saints who see this as a way to demonize our faith. I would venture to say that if someone were to ask just about any Mormon, that question, they would emphatically respond "no"! However, due to past LDS history that denied the priesthood to Black Mormons until 1978 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its members, are still considered, by some, racist -- over a quarter century later.

I'm not here to defend or debate that this was part of  LDS history. Nor do I have all of the answers as to why this was considered church policy for so long. However I can tell you that, today, Mormons are happy that such a policy is no longer in effect, and are thrilled to know that all blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are equally available to God's children -- and rightly so.

I became a practicing Mormon in June of 1977, right out of high school -- I was 17 at the time. I knew absolutely nothing about a priesthood ban for Black members of the LDS Church. It was not an issue being discussed at the time. A year later I vividly remember hearing on the radio, while at work, about the revelation that would now give the priesthood to all worthy male members of the LDS Church. I quickly learned how significant this revelation was and I, too, rejoiced for those who had waited patiently for the ban to be lifted! I continue to be humbled when I hear the many stories of faith in the face of what, no doubt, felt wrong to Mormons of African decent.

I have a very cherished memory that left an indelible mark upon my soul. Following the revelation on Blacks and the priesthood, only a few weeks later, I was in the Los Angeles temple -- in preparation to being sealed. Like many first-time temple goers I don't remember a lot.  What I do remember, vividly, was a sweet temple worker pulling me aside, and pointing, to make sure I understood and realized that the first Black male (in the Los Angeles temple) was taking out his endowments!  She even told me his name, Alan Cherry. I've never forgotten his name, nor will I. The significance of that solemn occasion, as the spirit bore witness to me that it was, has remained with me since.

I, like many others, have spent considerable time over the years researching the origin, doctrine and history of why blacks were restricted from having the priesthood. I've also grappled with the possibility and question: Are Mormons racist? My personal experience would not indicate so, nor would, I believe, the majority of Mormon adults living today. Ours is a very different experience than previous generations.

Consider this definitive statement at the April 2006 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by then President Gordon B. Hinckley:

Racial strife still lifts its ugly head. I am advised that even right here among us there is some of this. I cannot understand how it can be. It seemed to me that we all rejoiced in the 1978 revelation given President Kimball. I was there in the temple at the time that that happened. There was no doubt in my mind or in the minds of my associates that what was revealed was the mind and the will of the Lord.
Now I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us. I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ. How can any man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood arrogantly assume that he is eligible for the priesthood whereas another who lives a righteous life but whose skin is of a different color is ineligible? 
Throughout my service as a member of the First Presidency, I have recognized and spoken a number of times on the diversity we see in our society. It is all about us, and we must make an effort to accommodate that diversity. 
Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children. 
Brethren, there is no basis for racial hatred among the priesthood of this Church. If any within the sound of my voice is inclined to indulge in this, then let him go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness and be no more involved in such. (Italics added for emphasis)

In my opinion, this single statement should make it very clear where the LDS Church stands on racism, today. Members, to whom this counsel was directed, that have any supposed reason for such thoughts and feelings are told that they have "no basis" for such. Personally, I take that to mean doctrine as well.

UPDATE 2/29/12: 


From the LDS Newsroom - Official Statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

The Church and Race: All Are Alike Unto God 

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Book of Mormon states, “black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching. 
People of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church since its beginning. In fact, by the end of his life in 1844 Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opposed slavery. During this time some black males were ordained to the priesthood. At some point the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended. Church leaders sought divine guidance regarding the issue and more than three decades ago extended the priesthood to all worthy male members. The Church immediately began ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended throughout the world. 
The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.” 
Recently, the Church has also made the following statement on this subject: 
“The origins of priesthood availability are not entirely clear. Some explanations with respect to this matter were made in the absence of direct revelation and references to these explanations are sometimes cited in publications. These previous personal statements do not represent Church doctrine.”"
Source: LDS Newsroom


The Church issued the following statement today in response to news media


"The positions attributed to BYU professor Randy Bott in a recent Washington Post article absolutely do not represent the teachings and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU faculty members do not speak for the Church. It is unfortunate that the Church was not given a chance to respond to what others said. 
The Church’s position is clear—we believe all people are God’s children and are equal in His eyes and in the Church. We do not tolerate racism in any form. 
For a time in the Church there was a restriction on the priesthood for male members of African descent. It is not known precisely why, how, or when this restriction began in the Church but what is clear is that it ended decades ago. Some have attempted to explain the reason for this restriction but these attempts should be viewed as speculation and opinion, not doctrine. The Church is not bound by speculation or opinions given with limited understanding. 
We condemn racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church."
For more on the Washington Post article see Deseret News report here.
Source: LDS Newsroom

(I'm not even going to try and commentate on these statements. I think it is clarification enough of where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its members, stand on the issue of racism and Blacks and the priesthood.)



Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons is an independent documentary that I would highly recommend to anyone sincerely interested in gaining a better understanding as to why the Priesthood was, for a period of time, withheld from Black members of the LDS Church.  The documentary does an excellent job of giving the known facts and putting them into a cultural perspective. 

The Documentary Channel owns the rights to this film and currently shows it about once a month.  You can also "Watch it Now" online.  The option to purchase the DVD is also available.  
"This documentary talks about that little-known legacy, and confronts the hard issues which surfaced in the most turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement, when the Church restricted its priesthood from those of African descent. It discusses how that restriction was lifted and what the lives and challenges of the modern Black Mormon pioneers are. Besides never-released footage shot in 1968 and many rare archival photographs, the documentary includes interviews with renowned scholars, historians, Black Mormons, with Martin Luther King III, and with Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murray, retired pastor of the First AME Church of Los Angeles, which was founded by a former slave of Mormon pioneers."

Trailer - Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons


You can watch the entire documentary, online, HERE. (link to Deseret News review below)

Again, I encourage all who want to understand this period of LDS Church history to take the hour and watch this film. For me, it really brought everything I have studied, and portions that I found difficult to make sense of, together -- of which I am very grateful.

Update 2/6/12:


An anonymous commenter on this post recommended another documentary that we might also be interested in watching: Pioneers of Africa -- so I did, and highly recommend it as well. You can view it online at  HERE.
"Share the vibrant testimonies and experiences of African Saints as well as those of LDS Church leaders who have worked among these faithful members." BYUtv
BYU Creative Works Catalogue: (where you can purchase DVD)
"Pioneers of Africa is inspiring and unique. Thousands of Africans were converted to the gospel, then waited up to twenty years before they could be baptized following the revelation on the priesthood in 1978. Their story is told by some of the pioneers, by President Gordon B. Hinckley and many other General Authorities, and by Professor E. Dale LeBaron who has collected over 700 oral histories from African pioneers. This is truly a unique and inspiring chapter in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." 

I feel inclined to share with you my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I firmly believe that the LDS Church is His organization here upon the earth to administer saving ordinances, such as authorized baptism, necessary for our salvation. I also have a testimony of living prophets of God, who I believe to be good and inspired men that have no other intention than to lead us to Jesus Christ and enable our safe return to our Heavenly Father. I love the scriptures. I love the Book of Mormon and feel the power of its truth as I study and prayer over its teachings. My experience with the Book of Mormon clearly justifies my belief that Joseph Smith is truly a prophet of God. I am so grateful for that witness of the Spirit and how that confirmation, daily, continues to strengthen my testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its mission here upon the earth at this time.



tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs

Note: For those who would like to study the LDS history of Blacks and the priesthood I've provided, what I believe, are some of the very best online resources available. 

LDS Newsroom - "Video created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' (Mormon) action in June 1978 to extend its lay priesthood to men of all races."

Video: Priesthood for Mormon Men of Every Race

LDS FAQ: Mormon Answers: Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Blacks, and the Issue of Race

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes incorrectly called the "Mormon Church") has been accused of racism for its past policies that limited access to its priesthood ranks. This page explores the complex history of race issues in the Church, where the blessings of membership have been open to people of all races from the beginning, in spite of a confusing past restriction on the priesthood that was done away 1978. This is one of several pages in a suite of "Frequently Asked Questions about Latter-day Saint Beliefs." This work is solely the responsibility of Jeff Lindsay and has not been officially endorsed by the Church. While I strive to be accurate, my writings reflect my personal understanding and are subject to human error and bias."

BlackLDS.org

"This site celebrates the contributions of Blacks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to their communities. Latter-day Saints are also known as Mormons due to their belief in the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible.

We hope to correct racial myths and misunderstandings that linger from critics of Mormonism as well as from Latter-day Saints themselves. We strive to build the Gospel vision that we are all children of God, of great and equal worth in His sight."

FAIR Wiki: Origin of priesthood ban

"The origin of the priesthood ban is one of the most difficult questions to answer. Its origins are not clear, and this affected both how members and leaders have seen the ban, and the steps necessary to rescind it. The Church has never provided an official reason for the ban."

Mormon.org
Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?



"An award-winning documentary about African American Latter-day Saints. The project is headed by Margaret Blair Young and Darius Aidan Gray, authors of three books and many scholarly articles about Black Mormons.

Editor James B. Hughes spent the last years of his life working on this film, and often donated his services because of his passion for the project. He died of brain cancer in 2011. Danor Gerald also edited the film, and appears in it. Interviews were conducted and filmed by Richard Dutcher, Alex Nibley, and Scott Freebairn.

Few people, Mormon and non-Mormon, are aware that there has been an African American presence in the LDS Church from its earliest days, that the vanguard company of Mormon pioneers included three “colored servants” (slaves), and that subsequent pioneer companies included both freeborn Blacks (such as Jane Manning and Isaac James) and enslaved Blacks, such as Biddy Smith Mason and Elizabeth Flake. This documentary talks about that little-known legacy, and confronts the hard issues which surfaced in the most turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement, when the Church continued to restrict its priesthood from those of African descent (a policy put into place in 1852). It discusses the context for that restriction, and how it was finally lifted. It also addresses the challenges of modern Black Mormon pioneers."

Deseret News review: Nobody Knows - Film explores stories of black Mormons




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