The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which is also referred to as the Mormon Church – has a complicated relationship with race. This article will provide an honest and objective analysis of the past treatment of Black individuals in the Mormon Church as well as the policies and restrictions applied and how the Church has changed to reject old beliefs and practices which were associated with racism.
Blacks and Mormonism A Historical Overview
Between 1851 and 1897, the Mormon Church had a rule which barred blacks from ordination to the priesthood. This was a result of racial and religious beliefs at the time. Black people were not permitted certain Church rituals, rites and duties, resulting in a segregated Mormon community. This discrimination was not unique to Mormonism. It reflected the prevalent racial prejudices that existed within American society at the time.
Mormon Black Peoples and the 1978 Revelation
In 1978, Spencer W. Kimball was blessed with what Mormons believe was an enlightenment from God concerning the exclusion of African-Americans from priesthood. This revelation is believed to be a crucial point that altered the long-standing rule. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints affirmed that Black individuals can now claim the priesthood and participate fully in the activities of the Church.
Today, the Church is against racism and welcomes everyone, regardless of their race to accept Jesus Christ. The doctrine is now announcing the equality of everyone by stating that God accepts everyone, irrespective 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 ordained Blacks into the priesthood during his lifetime. This was in keeping with Smith’s teachings on equality and inclusion in the Church. However, the subsequent leaders put in place policies to exclude Black individuals from the priesthood, reflecting the evolving society’s attitudes towards race in the middle of the 19th century. For more information, click Mormons and Black People
Racism Resolving it and moving towards unity
In current times The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has taken significant actions to combat the negative effects of racism and work towards unity among its members. The Church’s leadership has issued statements that disavow old racial customs and beliefs. The church’s leadership has released a statement disavowing previous racism and racial practices.
The Church is a place of the values of understanding, love and acceptance among its diverse members. It affirms the worth and worth of each person. An effort is made to inform members about the importance inclusiveness, cultural sensitivity, and to reject religious beliefs that are discriminatory.
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Understanding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saintsthe evolution of dealing with issues of race and the past of Blacks within Mormonism is crucial for fostering unity. The policy that restricted Blacks from priesthood ordination for more than 100 years marks a difficult chapter in the Church’s past. The announcement of 1978 however, was a crucial moment, signaling an embrace of inclusion and equality.
The current position of the Mormon Church opposes racism and declares equality. It also encourages the love and acceptance of all its members. By confronting the past’s prejudices against race and taking steps to move forward towards equality, the Mormon Church is moving forward towards acceptance and understanding.