From Prejudice To Progress Examining Mormons Journey Beyond Racism

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (often called by its name as the Mormon Church) has a rich history of race relations. This is particularly the case for Blacks within Mormonism. This article is designed to offer an honest and objective analysis of the treatment that was historically given to Black people within the Mormon Church and to discuss the policies that were put in place and how the Church has evolved to disavow traditional beliefs and practices that were related to racism.


Blacks and Mormonism A Historical Overview Between 1852 and 1978, the Mormon Church enforced a policy that restricted blacks in Mormonism from priesthood ordination. This policy was based on the interpretations of scriptures and racial views of the day. Black individuals were not allowed to participate in certain rituals and obligations within the Church, which led to discrimination in the Mormon community. It is vital to acknowledge that this discrimination was not exclusive to Mormonism. Instead, it represented racial prejudices commonplace throughout American culture at the time.

Mormon Black Peoples and the 1978 Revelation A major turning point took place in 1978 when the then President of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball, received what Mormons believe was an angelic revelation concerning the exclusion of Black individuals from priesthood. The revelation is thought to be the pivotal event which changed the long-standing policy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has declared that Black people can now claim the priesthood and be fully involved with all aspects of the church.
Today, the Church is against discrimination against people of color, and invites everyone, regardless of their race, to embrace Jesus Christ. The doctrine of equality is for all and stresses that God is open to all, regardless of race, gender, or social status.

Joseph Smith’s Fair Treatment of Black Individuals Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, treated Black people with respect despite the prejudices of the day. Joseph Smith is known to have been the first to ordained black people into the priesthood in his lifetime. This was in accordance with Smith’s stance on equality and inclusion within the Church. However, the leaders who followed put in place policies to exclude Black people from priesthood, which reflected the changing societal attitudes toward race during the late 19th century.

Racism: Addressing it and working towards unity In current times today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has taken substantial actions to combat the negative effects of racism and work towards unity among its members. The Church’s leadership has issued statements which denounce the past racial practices and beliefs. They emphasize that racism is in all forms, and is incompatible with the teachings and the fundamental beliefs of the Church.
The Church is actively promoting acceptance, love and respect among its diverse members, recognizing their importance and worth. Members are educated on the value of and the rejection of prejudiced views, as well being aware of cultural diversity, inclusivity and sensitivity.

The end of the article is: Understanding the past of Blacks and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints evolution on race is crucial to promote equality and foster unity. The Church’s past of pain is apparent in a doctrine that, for more than a century, excluded Blacks from being ordained to the priesthood. The 1978 revelation, however, marked a pivotal moment that signaled an acceptance of inclusivity and equal rights.
The current position of the Mormon Church rejects racism, defends equality, and advocates for acceptance and love among all of its members. In addressing its past prejudices regarding race and taking steps toward progress The Church is moving forward on a path of harmony and understanding as it strives to ensure that every member feels valued and valued within the Mormon community.

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