Blacks in Mormonism
Historical Context
What Critics Are Saying
Response to Critics View
A factual and objective look at the history of Blacks in Mormonism and the alleged Mormon racism within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Between 1852 and 1978, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints enforced a policy that restricted blacks in Mormonism from priesthood ordination, though the belief in a future lifting of the restriction persisted. The end of this policy came in 1978, under President Spencer W. Kimball Spencer W. Kimball cancel 1895-1985 Spencer W. Kimball was the 12th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kimball was born in 1895 and grew up in Thatcher, Arizona. He began his professional life as a bank clerk and moved into life insurance and real estate development. Church and community service throughout his life preceded his call to serve as an Apostle in 1943. While serving he was diagnosed with lung cancer and suffered numerous heart attacks for which he underwent major surgeries and came out with new power and vigor for life. On December 30th of 1973, Kimball became the President of the church. During his service, the number of missionaries increased by 50% and the number of operating temples doubled. One of the most significant changes was the extension of the Priesthood to all worthy male members. President Kimball passed in November of 1985.
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/landing/prophets-of-the-restoration/spencer-w-kimball https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-spencer-w-kimball/the-life-and-ministry-of-spencer-w-kimball , who received divine instruction on the matter. Today, the Church rejects racist ideas and aims for unity, welcoming all to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, disregarding racial limitations and actively addressing the consequences of racism worldwide. The church believes in the equality of all people, affirming that God accepts everyone regardless of race, gender, or social status. While historical slavery and racism affected the United States during the Church's founding, its founder, Joseph Smith Joseph Smith cancel 1805-1844 Joseph Smith Jr., born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, was the fifth child of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. He had significant spiritual experiences that led him to his prophetic calling, including a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. He translated and published the Book of Mormon and established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830. As the leader of the Church, he called Apostles and other leaders, defined doctrines, and guided the community's growth in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Tragically, Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-jr?lang=eng , treated Black individuals fairly and even ordained some Black men to the priesthood. info Image Source: cancel First Baptisms in West Africa The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints