The history of Blacks in Mormonism is complex and often controversial. Over time, the church’s views on race have shifted, influenced by a mix of cultural, historical, and theological factors. This evolving relationship highlights the challenges the faith has faced as it has worked toward greater inclusivity and equality, marking both periods of exclusion and moments of significant progress.
Early Years and the Formation of Doctrine
In the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, there was no formal racial policy excluding Black members from full participation. In fact, Black individuals were present in the church’s formative years, including some who were close to church founder Joseph Smith. These early years saw the ordination of Black men to the priesthood, a position of spiritual authority within the church. However, after Smith’s death in 1844, the church’s stance on race began to shift.
As the church migrated westward under the leadership of Brigham Young, a policy was introduced in 1852 that restricted Black men from holding the priesthood. This development became a defining aspect of the church’s racial policies for more than a century. The reasons behind this policy are complex and have been attributed to various factors, including prevailing 19th-century racial attitudes, the church’s desire to maintain social cohesion in a deeply divided America and theological interpretations that linked race and lineage.
The Ban on Black Priesthood Holders
For many years, the church’s restriction on Black men holding the priesthood generated deep feelings of frustration and exclusion among some members. The ban also extended to temple ordinances, which are considered essential for salvation in Mormon theology. This meant that Black members were denied full participation in the religious practices central to their faith, such as temple marriages and other sacred rites.
This policy caused significant tension, particularly as the civil rights movement gained momentum in the United States. While the church continued to grow internationally, especially in countries with diverse populations, the restriction on Black priesthood holders became increasingly untenable.The faith’s leaders faced growing pressure to address the issue, both from within the church and from the broader society.
The 1978 Revelation and Change
The pivotal moment in the relationship between Blacks and Mormonism came in 1978. After years of debate, reflection and prayer, the church’s leadership announced a revelation that lifted the ban on Black men holding the priesthood. This revelation, considered a divine directive, marked a significant turning point in the church’s history. Black members could now fully participate in all aspects of the faith, including receiving the priesthood and attending temple ordinances.
This change was welcomed by many and represented a move toward greater inclusivity. However, it also raised important questions about the legacy of the church’s earlier policies and the impact they had on Black members. While the 1978 revelation was a profound step forward, it did not erase the history of exclusion that had shaped the experiences of Black Mormons for generations.
Modern-Day Reflections
In the years since the 1978 revelation, the church has made efforts to acknowledge and confront its past on issues of race. Leaders have issued public statements denouncing racism and emphasizing that all people are equal in the eyes of God. The church has also worked to increase diversity within its leadership and membership, particularly as its global reach expands into regions with significant Black populations, such as Africa and the Caribbean.
Despite these efforts, the legacy of the church’s racial policies remains a sensitive and complex topic.Some Black members continue to wrestle with feelings of exclusion or wonder how the past informs their present relationship with the faith. The church’s current teachings emphasize that the 1978 revelation was a direct response to divine guidance and leaders have expressed hope that moving forward, the faith will be a place where all people, regardless of race, can find spiritual fulfillment and community.
Continuing the Conversation
The history of Blacks in Mormonism is a story of change, struggle, and progress. It reflects broader societal shifts in how race and religion intersect, as well as the ongoing journey of faith communities to reconcile their past with the ideals of equality and inclusion. While challenges remain, there is also a growing recognition within the church of the importance of fostering a welcoming and diverse spiritual environment.
As the church continues to grow and evolve, the conversation around race and inclusion is likely to remain an important part of its future. For many Black members, the faith offers a profound source of comfort and spiritual connection. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure that all people feel fully embraced and valued within the community.
