Do Black Mormons Have Equal Status in the Church?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown into a worldwide faith of nearly 18 million members, with congregations in Africa, the Caribbean, North America, and beyond. As the Church expands across cultures and continents, questions naturally arise about race, history, and belonging. For many observers—and even for some members—the question persists: Do Black Mormons have equal status with others in the Church today?

The short answer is yes. But understanding that answer fully requires a look at both the Church’s history and its current reality. The story of Black Latter-day Saints is one of faith, perseverance, and progress, rooted in the belief that God loves all His children equally.

A Complex History

The early history of Black members in the Church is both inspiring and challenging. During the early days of the Restoration in the 1830s and 1840s, several Black converts joined the Church and were full participants. One of the most notable was Elijah Abel, an early Black Latter-day Saint who was ordained to the Priesthood. Others like Jane Manning James and Q. Walker Lewis also demonstrated deep faith and devotion.

However, after Joseph Smith’s death in 1844, circumstances began to change. By the early 1850s, a policy was instituted that restricted men of Black African descent from receiving the priesthood and limited Black members’ participation in certain temple ordinances.

The origins of that policy are not fully clear. Church leaders and historians acknowledge that it was shaped by the racial attitudes and social conditions of 19th-century America—a time when slavery, segregation, and racism were widespread. Importantly, there is no record of a revelation instituting the restriction.

This policy remained in place for more than a century, and it caused real pain and exclusion for many faithful Black Mormons. Yet, through it all, many Black members continued to live the gospel, attend church, and serve their communities. Their faith stands as a testament to their devotion not to human leaders, but to Jesus Christ Himself.

The 1978 Revelation

On June 8, 1978, things changed. Church President Spencer W. Kimball, after years of prayer and spiritual searching, announced that he and the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had received a revelation from God. This revelation declared that “all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.” This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Church’s history; one that affirmed the full equality of all God’s children.

But today, the question still arises: are Mormons racist? Since the 1978 revelation, Church leaders have repeatedly emphasized that racism has no place in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The 2013 “Race and the Priesthood” essay published on the Church’s official website states:

“The Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects actions in a premortal life… Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form.”

This clear statement disavowing past teachings on the curse of Cain marked an important milestone of honesty, repentance, and recommitment to gospel principles of unity and equality.

Black Members Today

Today, Blacks and Mormonism are an integral part of the Church’s worldwide membership. The Church is one of the fastest-growing Christian denominations in Africa, with thriving congregations in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the United States and elsewhere, Black members serve in every capacity: bishops, Relief Society presidents, temple workers, mission leaders, and General Authorities. In 2018, Elder Peter M. Johnson became the first Black General Authority Seventy of the Church. His calling was celebrated as a symbol of progress, but more importantly, as a reflection of God’s equal trust in all His children to build His kingdom.

For many Black Saints, Church life is deeply fulfilling. They describe the gospel as a source of peace, identity, and empowerment. Still, some acknowledge that cultural misunderstandings and moments of discomfort remain. Like any global faith, the Church is made up of imperfect people learning to live divine principles more fully.

Church leaders consistently urge members to root out prejudice, both in their hearts and in their communities. As President Russell M. Nelson taught in 2020:

“We call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. Let us all try to recognize the pure light of Christ in every soul.”

Unity in Christ

At its core, the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is profoundly egalitarian. The Book of Mormon teaches:

“All are alike unto God… black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33).

This scripture is not just a statement of belief—it is a call to action. The gospel teaches that all people are spirit children of God and that through Jesus Christ, everyone can receive the same blessings of salvation, regardless of race, nationality, or background.

Temples are now open to worthy members of every race and nation. In Africa alone, more than 25 temples are either operating, under construction, or announced. This growth is a visible testament to the Church’s belief that the covenant path is open to all.

Faith, Belonging, and the Future

For many Black Latter-day Saints, membership in the Church is both a spiritual homecoming and a journey of reconciliation. They see in the gospel of Jesus Christ the ultimate answer to racism and division—a vision of Zion where “there [is] no poor among them,” and all are “of one heart and one mind.”

The faith of early Black pioneers like Jane Manning James, who remained devoted despite hardship, now finds fulfillment in new generations of Saints of African descent serving missions, leading congregations, and shaping the future of the Church.

Equal as Children of God

So, do Black Mormons have equal status in the Church?

Yes, fully and unequivocally. In doctrine, in priesthood, in temple participation, and in eternal promise, Black members stand shoulder to shoulder with all others.

The Church openly acknowledges its past, but it is defined by its present and future—by a living belief in continuing revelation, repentance, and progress. The story of Black Latter-day Saints is not merely one of overcoming history—it is a story of divine belonging.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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