Why were black people not allowed to hold the preisthood in the LDS church until 1978?

Question

This has always kind of bothered me about the church, and i am not even black. The answers i have been told in personn have generally been saying that it was a curse from god and it was because of the sins of the past (lamanites). I am alright with that answer, but the part that really bugs me about it, was they allowed African Americans the right to the priesthood when they started getting rights and becoming socially acceptable in America. If revelation from god really happens, then why didnt the church allow black people to have the preisthood before 78? It seems like the church just followed the crowd discriminating against those poor poor african americans. here is a direct quote from brigham young (former prophet) who owned slaves. And i am sure that many other highly reguarded church officials have also owned slaves.

March 8, 1863: Brigham young, during a conference talk in the Tabernacle, as recorded in the Journal of Discourses 10:109, states:

“Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so.”

To me that really makes me wonder....did the church change because everyone else was changing, or was it just a coicidence that they "redeemed" themselves of past sins?

Answer 1

Because Brigham young was extremely racist (and sexist).



/end of thread

Answer 2

Because most mormons have never read these telling quotes below. There are many more like these. They are not abberations. They are part of official LDS records, searched out, copied down verbatim, and exposed for the public without them realizing what they truly inferred. Doesn't sound like the first two LDS presidents were "sympathetic" to the enslavement of blacks to me.



How about you? I"m asking you because mormons will refuse to confront, let alone answer that question of themselves simply because I asked it, an exmormon.



“Dear Sir: —This place (Kirtland) having recently been visited by a gentleman who advocated the principles or doctrines of those who are called Abolitionists, and his presence having created an interest in that subject.... I fear that the sound might go out, that 'an Abolitionist' had held forth several times to this community,... all, except a very few, attended to their own vocations, and left the gentleman to hold forth his own arguments to nearly naked walls..... I do not believe that the people of the North have any more right to say that the South shall not hold slaves, than the South have to say the North shall."

----Letter written by Joseph Smith to the Messenger & Advocate, an early LDS newspaper, deriding those who would end slavery, History of the Church, by Joseph Smith, Vol. 2, pages 436-438



“The rank, rabid Abolitionists, whom I call black-hearted Republicans, have set the whole national fabric on fire.”

-----Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, page 110

Answer 3

I am not totally sure but my parents explained that what they thought as the African americans were slaves that they were very entrenched with the ways of slavery. That the Lord did not want to have the continuation of white people telling the African america what to do. It is way of life that is hard to brake. Just like the Israelites when they left Egypt they returned to worshiping a golden calf. It takes generations to brake some habits. The African american have shown that they can offer a contrite heart and submit to the Lord. Read Mosiah 3:19.

Answer 4

You're going to get one of three answers from Mormons on here and none of them are satisfactory.



1. You just don't understand god's way since you're a sinner.



2. That quote from Brigham Young was taken out of context (even though there are many just like it).



3. God's not racist, he got rid of the curse in 1978!



I don't know why Mormons just won't accept the fact that doctrine was based on racism. It's pretty wild how some will deny it so strongly.

Answer 5

Who are we to question God's reason for restricting blacks of African descent until 1978? This wasn't the first time the priesthood was restricted. In Numbers, specifically chapters 1, 18, and 35, we come to understand that of the tribes of Israel at that time, only the tribe of Levi were given the priesthood. Also, during Jesus' ministry, the priesthood was restricted to only the Jews of that time. It wasn't until after Jesus' death and resurrection was the priesthood opened to others (see Acts 10:1–33; 14:23; 15:6–8). Therefore, we shouldn't be surprised if again in the Latter Days did God restrict the priesthood from only blacks of African descent until 1978. Native Americans, Asians, etc. were allowed the priesthood from the beginning.

Answer 6

Death on the spot for whom? For the WHITE MAN, of course! Most blacks were slaves, or at least, servants. Inter-marriage between whites and blacks was illegal. Whites had all power over blacks. Blacks were treated like animals, pretty much. And yet, as horrible as it was, it was as bad, if not worse, all over the world. In Africa, it was blacks who were selling other blacks in to slavery, just like today.



I believe that the reason why it wasn't until 1978, is because, when such a policy change is to be made in our church, it has to be not just the prophet, but his counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve who have to confirm that what the prophet heard from God IS from God. I have a feeling that there were one or two hold-outs every time it came up. Until 1978, somehow, God finally got thru to all of them.



edit: You know, the world, AND the LDS church, is more than whites and blacks. Some of the first peoples that missionaries went to were the Native AmerIndians, and the people of the polynesian islands. These people were not denied the priesthood because of skin color. It was ONLY those blacks of African descent.



I don't think that the push to get the priesthood for blacks had anything to do with the United States or it's government, but the fact that there were a LOT of worthy members of the church down in Brazil who were black, and then there were hundreds, if not thousands, of Africans who wanted the church.

Answer 7

Common sense will tell you, that it is very difficult for a slave to hold the Priesthood. This would give a slave holder who is a Non-Member much to much influence in the affairs of God's Holy Priesthood that guide the true Church Of Jesus Christ.



As long as Black people were not completely free, they generally speaking could not hold the Priesthood. It was nothing personal. But the masters of slaves could not be allowed to tell members how members were supposed to behave.



If that had been allowed that would have put the whole Church in jeopardy, and subject to undo influence by those very people who were often the most ardent enemies of THE Church Of JESUS CHRIST Of Latter Day Saints, namely the masters of slaves.



As soon as Black people had the right to vote, and certain other historical events took place, namely that White Europeans were preached to and were given plenty of chance to explore becoming part of God's Holy Church, then the gospel has been more actively preached to Black people, and the Priesthood has also been restored to them, after the right to the Priesthood was taken from them a long long time ago.



For the most part White people have rejected God's true Church. Now it is Black people's chance to show the kind of commitment to Jesus Christ, that they did not in former times have the chance to show.



Black people are rising to the very top of the LDS Church organization. This is happening more and more, as they show their zeal for Jesus Christ, there is nothing that is going to stop Black Mormons from shaking the World.

Answer 8

Blacks were allowed to have the priesthood before '78. Joseph Smith himself ordained black men to the priesthood.



I can't tell you why they weren't allowed to hold the priesthood. I don't know. And I don't believe all that Cain stuff for two reasons. 1) we believe that men will be punished for their own sins... 2) When Adam partook of the forbidden fruit the earth was cursed for his sake.



You particularly need to be careful of quotes from Brigham Young, If you read that whole discourse he is not talking about interracial marriages. He is talking about white men raping black women. Big difference.



One other thing to add to this discussion, revelations from the Lord take into account the socio-political conditions of the day. And if you really think about it what good would revelations be if they weren't tailored to the people they are intended for. So whether we were racist and now we aren't or in the final judgment the church is shown to have always been pure and holy it doesn't seem to matter much to my black church friends. And if it doesn't matter to them then I think it's kind of dangerous for a white guy like me to base my faith on such a shaky issue.

Answer 9

While we believe that the "black skin" was the "mark" put upon Cain for killing his brother Abel (as described in the Old Testament book of Genesis), the Church has never officially taken a stance on the reason why blacks were not given the priesthood prior to 1978. There are several theories that have been developed over the years by LDS Church members, though.



One of the leading theories ties into a current piece of Church doctrine. We believe that in the pre-existence (we believe that we were created as spirits prior to the creation of the Earth) there was a meeting held to discuss the creation of the Earth. Jesus offered one plan by which we could all return to God, but we would keep our free agency and that God would get all the glory. Lucifer offered another plan, where we would all be forced to obey Lucifer, and that Lucifer would get all the glory. When God chose the plan offered by Jesus, Lucifer and 1/3 of the host of heaven rebelled (the "war in heaven" spoken of in the New Testament book of Revelation). The 2/3 who followed Jesus and God (as we believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are 3 separate individuals, united in purpose) were said to have kept their "first estate" and were allowed to progress to the "second estate" of mortality. Lucifer (who became known as Satan) and his followers did not keep this "first estate" and were, among other things, denied any further progression.



The theory is that those of African decent were the proverbial fence sitters during the war in heaven. While they technically kept their first estate (by not siding with Satan) and therefore were allowed to progress, there had to be consequences for not siding with God (at least in the beginning of the war), and that having to wait for the priesthood and its accompanying blessings (along with various secular things like slavery and racism) were those consequences.



Another major theory says that because it was a Church doctrine, it would take a unanimous vote of the membership of the Church to accept that it was indeed the will of the Lord that every worthy male member of the Church could hold the priesthood, and it took until 1978 for the idea of blacks having equal standing with whites to get that unanimous vote (because any of those who would not accept black priesthood holders had either died out or would essentially have been shamed into accepting it by more open-minded members).

Answer 10

HOW can you argue when LDS members say... "God did it!" "We dont know his reasons" (geez)



Back in the early days of the Mormon church Elijah Abel would be the first black Mormon to hold the priesthood. Joseph Smith was not that racist, he was friends with a black convert (Elijah Abel) whom he allowed to be ordained to the higher priesthood.

However,

Brigham Young refused that same man from being endowed in the Nauvoo temple with the rest of the Saints.



*No other black Mormon would be ordained as a priesthood holder for 130 years.

I believe that true racism started with Brigham Young and his company, but the Book of mormon had very racist verses in it.



"African Americans were endowed with the Priesthood in 1978, and the LDS church believes that God changed his mind about black men and the priesthood and "lifted" the ban.* Before that they could be members just not allowed into temples ect...this went for any black linage (blood line) even for black women! This change was way to far late for the LDS church not to look extremely racist. The book of mormon still has racist verses.



I never knew about the RACISM in the LDS church NOR the Curse of Cain doctrine while a member. I was shocked at the information that I came across.

Yes the racist versus are still in the Book of mormon. That is considered doctrine.

See...

http://www.i4m.com/think/comments/mormon…



A very racist LDS TALK from a mormon apostle Mark Petersen.

See..

http://www.i4m.com/think/comments/mormon…



The Mormon prophet Brigham Young on the appearance of Africans:

“Cain slew his brother....and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the FLAT NOSE AND BLACK SKIN...”

(Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, pages 290-291)



From a Mormon Publication: in the 1930's I believe,

“Their skin is quite black, their hair woolly and black, THEIR INTELLIGENCE STUNTED, and they appear never to have arisen from the most savage state of barbarism.” The Juvenile Instructor, Vol. 3, page 157)

http://www.realmormonhistory.com/god&ski…

From 1966....

"Those who were LESS VALIANT IN PRE-EXISTENCE and who thereby had certain spiritual restrictions imposed upon them during mortality are known to us as the NEGROES." LDS "Apostle" Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 527, 1966 edition

MORE...http://www.exmormon.org/blacks1.htm





~THE change in 1978...

Times they were a changing and the LDS church was FAR behind the movement...

*This change happening after the main part of the civil rights movement, and with huge pressure brought to the Mormon church and BYU. There were riots and many people hurt. The LDs church needed to make a move and change it's ways, so *poof* in 1978 God had changed his mind...



Many other church had changed their views and have even apologized publicly since then, but not the LDS church.

Before the change no person with any "black blood" (they called it) was not allowed to have the priesthood, at be allowed into a LDS temple.



LDS members in Brazil with black blood in them, this was an issue also, having a new temple and not being able to attend.

The LDS church of today would love to bury this history, but it is there and only approved sugarcoated answers are given when people ask about this belief.

(sorry so long..:)

Answer 11

If you look into the BIble, God did NOT give the priesthood openly to anyone who wanted it. God CHOOSE who he gave the priesthood too. In Old Testament times, God gave it ONLY to those whose lineage was of the tribe of Levi. Others could not hold it.



Side note, it IS God's priesthood, by the way, and one should assume that GOD could give it to whomever he choose or not choose. Just saying...



During the time of Jesus Christ, the priesthood could be only held by Jews. During the time of the apostle Peter, explained in the New Testament, that was expanded to include both Jew and gentile alike. God gave Peter revelation that the priesthood could be to all the world and gentiles could hold it as well as Jew.



For reasons that God would only know since he IS God, the priesthood was not open to persons of the black race until most recently.



The point that may be missed here, is the 1978 revelation on the priesthood is a very very joyous thing. God opened the priesthood, perhaps for the first time in the history of the world, to EVERY worthy male, regardless of race, tribal affiliation, etc.



It is indeed the fullness of times, the last days.

Answer 12

the more real answer is WHY were they allowed to and how it came to pass.

fasting and prayer, and revelation.



there seems to be a historic hiccup! knowing now, that even Joseph smith ordained a black man to the priesthood.

dont know the specifics. i think his name was Elijah. (not sure, memory is weak)



as far as Brigham Young is concerned, there are many bible verses that deny mixxed race marriages and mixxed faith unions. if taken out of context, you have the conclusion that mixxed race marriages and priesthood holders should not be allowed. continuing to study however, shows that people are denied the priesthood of God, if they are known to be luciferian and non repentant, thus we have church courts as well to get rid of sorcerers and devil worship from within the church.



i thought this question was deleted so i saved it.

Answer 13

There actually were a few exceptions, but to answer your question - We don't know. Perhaps the church wasn't ready for black leaders, or perhaps it would have been detrimental to church growth in what was plainly a highly racist society. The church had enough problems with the bias caused by polygamy. Joseph Smith was very progressive and championed the rights of blacks, but not everyone felt the same way. Mormons were accused of organizing blacks and indians to overthrow the government. Many people suffered and died from the resulting persecution.

Answer 14

Blacks have been constantly allowed to be contributors; they won't carry the priesthood until 1978. That mentioned, there have been blacks that held the priesthood in Joseph Smith's time. Why? i don't know for sue. whether, the quote you have above from McConkie is his opinion. that is not known doctrine of the church and individually, i don't believe it. there is not any denying that there became some racism interior the church, yet that became something that contaminated the finished united states. The habit of this church in direction of blacks became extra advantageous than countless different church homes the comparable time sessions. The LDS church in no way had segregated congregations, case in point.

Answer 15

It isn't that they were just unable to hold the priesthood. They couldn't hold any calling. They couldn't have any power in their ward over any white person. They couldn't be married in the temple for eternity or be sealed to their families. They couldn't ascend to the highest level of LDS heaven and be exalted like any white could. God didn't want Blacks there.



Until the feds stepped in in the 1860s, they were held as slaves in Utah. Had the feds not stepped in, they still would be.

Answer 16

I think they associated blacks with the Mark of Cain. Yet, do black people seriously want to be Mormons?



However, you have to realize the underlying hypocrisy in whites not being allowed to have their own exclusionary groups, while black people may. There are many all black institutions like schools, churches, political organizations and the like.



I'm more bothered by this hypocrisy than the idea of segregation.

Answer 17

As already said its fromt he false teaching that black people are the children of Cain and inherited his curse. Ironically their are also black regligious groups who say the exact same thing about white people. As to why they changed it I'd say because of popular oppinion much like their reasons for suddenly deciding the "prophets" Joseph Smith Jr and Brigham Young's declarations in support of (and personal practice of) polygamy is no longer acceptable to the church.

Answer 18

All your questions about it can be answered here:



http://blacklds.org

Answer 19

racism.