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by Janel Russell on February 16th, 2004

Janel Russell

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I heard that the Mormon religion looks down on the black race; is this true?

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Answers. 20 helpful answers below.

  • by Anonymous on February 18th, 2004

    Anonymous

      American culture has long tended to regard negroes as inferior, and to treat them as such.  However, this is a cultural, not a religious tendency, and one to which Mormonism has not necessariily been any more or less prone than the rest of American culture.

      Joseph Smith held and expressed some beliefs regarding negroes which, in his time, were regarded as quite radical, and which angered many of his contemporaries, but which are generally regarded today as common sense.  He believed that negroes, even those who had been freed from slavery, occupied an inferior place in our society only because the rest of us refused to allow them any better.  He believed that if negroes were treated the same as other races, they would prove as intelligent, as productive, and as prosperous as any other race.

      It is true that for a time, negroes were not allowed to hold the Priesthood.  The basis for this is found in Abraham 1:21–22, 26–27 (http://scriptures.lds.org/abr/1/21-22,26-27#21), wherein we learn that Noah cursed his son Ham that he and his posterity should not have the Priesthood.  This remained in effect until a revelation was received in 1978 that the Priesthood should thereafter be extended to all worthy men.  (http://scriptures.lds.org/od/2)
     

      [Added c. 22:02 PST on 10 March 2004, in response to “Yanick Rochon:  (even if ‘negro’ means black, it still bugs me in an English context)”]

      “Negro” or “Negroid” is the correct term to refer to the “black” race, in the same sense that “Caucasian” is the correct term to refer to the “white” race.  Political Correctness notwithstanding, I will continue to use this correct terminology where appropriate.
     
     
      [Added c. 15:40 on 19 April 2004, in response to Andersen777's statement, “I do find it amusing that this ‘revelation’ in 1978 happened after the IRS threatened to take away the church's tax exempt status.”]

      The federal government does not have — nor has it ever claimed — the power to dictate to any religious organization the terms of membership in that organization.  To do so would be a blatant violation of the First Amendment.  The claim that the church changed this policy under threat of action from the IRS or any other government agency is entirely false.

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  • by Alatea on November 6th, 2005

    Alatea

    Read what Brigham Young had to say about blacks. It's all documented. If the LDS current position is different it means they changed the rules to suit. What else might they have changed or manipulated for their own benefit? BTW low ratings mean nothing.

    You heard correctly.
    If you research LDS history their position becomes very clear.

    David Briscoe and George Buck refer to June 9, 1978 as "Black Friday" because this was the day that Mormon leaders announced the death of the anti-black doctrine (see Utah Holiday, July 1978, page 33).

    Prior to that time blacks of African lineage were not allowed to hold the Priesthood nor go through the temple even though they lived exemplary lives.

    The Mormon position concerning blacks was clearly stated in a letter written by the First Presidency on July 17, 1947 "From the days of the Prophet Joseph even until now, it has been the doctrine of the Church, never questioned by any of the Church leaders, that the Negroes are not entitled to the full blessings of the Gospel." (Letter from the First Presidency, quoted in Mormonism and the Negro, by John J. Stewart and William E. Berrett, pp.46-47)

    My answers about Mormons are taken from your own books and from the writings of your seers and revelators. Some quotes are from those who managed to escape LDS.

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  • by Glenn Blaylock on August 14th, 2004

    Glenn Blaylock

    There is more to this. I cannot site original sources on this, but according to my Church History teacher at BYU, Joseph Smith actually predicted that the time would come that the priesthood would be extended to the blacks. It's just that the the time wasn't right. Additionally, if you look at Christian societies in general, throughout all of the nineteenth and most of the twentieth centuries, white people in general just did not look favorably upon the idea of a black minister presiding over a white congregation. Black ministers presided over black congregations. Now I am not going to claim to know the mind of God, but I suspect that one reason blacks didn't receive the priesthood sooner was that God was waiting for the rest of us to mature sufficiently to really accept blacks as equals. That time came in 1978. Even then, there were some that still held onto their old prejudices. We are not perfect, but hopefully we will get there someday.

    ***************
    "John Pacella: BYU Professors are told to only report history that is faith promoting... not sure you will get truthful answers from them."

    Try actually taking a course at BYU before you make such sweeping statements. Not all stories are faith promoting. In my church history courses we did discuss how the arrogance of the Saints did contribute to the problems in Missouri and about the Mountain Meadows massacre among other mistakes that we have made over the years. These were hardly faith promoting. However, the only way to prevent such mistakes from happening again is to study them and learn where our ancestors went wrong.

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  • by godma on May 10th, 2007

    godma

    Some good answers here already, but I also remember another verse about it.

    Isn't there also one about how the native Americans would become more white if they converted to Mormonism? I remember the phrase "white and delightsome" (which tends to stick in one's head).

    Oh yeah, just google it and you'll find a bunch of stuff.

    There's more information here:
    http://www.religioustolerance.org/lds_race.htm

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  • by ThePapii on May 10th, 2007

    ThePapii

    As of today one would have to say no. In 1978 the Church leaders prayed and received revelation that blacks should no longer be prevented from holding the priesthood.

    It is important to note that this came as a revelation and the church did NOT admit this was a mistake in past interpretation. Therefore, if Mormonism is the one true religion, then God was a racist until 1978.

    IMO, I'd rather serve in hell with Satan than serve a racist God. My God created all humans in his likeness, and those that were cursed were the heirs of Egypt, not all of Africa. The basis for this is found in Abraham 1:21�22, 26�27 (http://scriptures.lds.org/abr/1/21-22,26-27 ).

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  • by E-8 on October 24th, 2007

    E-8

    Whoever said that is so ignorant that it defies common reason and logic. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not look down on anyone, any race, any religion, or any ethic origin. As a matter of fact, the Church teaches and believes that every single person that ever lived, is living, or will live were and are brothers and sisters, with the same Father-in-Heaven.

    Once again, the statement that “you work through it” demonstrates the ignorance from those outside the church and especially from those inside the church; regarding what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really teaches.

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  • by Anonymous on June 22nd, 2007

    Anonymous

    this is 100% true, mormons are racist and they have been since the beginning of the religion. I converted from mormonism to christianity and i have done alot of research.

    it wasnt untill 1997 that mormons allows blacks to hold the pristhood and the only reason the prophet got a "revelation" was because the church was about to loose its tax exempt statue

    here read this:

    Prior to 1978, Mormon leaders forbid Blacks from holding the Mormon Priesthood. In 1978, due to mounting pressure from pending lawsuits concerning racism, Spencer W. Kimball suddenly received a revelation that Blacks could now enter the temple and hold the Mormon Priesthood. If the Mormon Church had not changed its views on Black people, it would have lost its Tax-Exempt 503(c) status - as pending litigation in several states in America was proceeding.

    Today the Mormon Church flatly denies that it's revelation was based on loosing its Tax-Exempt 503(c) status - however a great deal of evidence exists showing that it did.

    if you are mormon i advise you to convert to chritianity

    if your not sure
    go to this site: themormoncurtain.com

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  • by Nohoch Mac on May 22nd, 2007

    Nohoch Mac

    I don't think you guys understand the question:

    I heard that the Mormon religion looks down on the black race; is this true?

    The answer is simply no.

    I'm a mormon and I have never ever looked down on the black race or any other race. I have never been taught in any of my church meetings or in any church texts that the blacks or other races are to be looked down on. I strive to love people of all races, cultures, backgrounds, and religions and this cannont be disputed by any of you.

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  • by Alatea on January 19th, 2006

    Alatea

    A second response to this question. From their own books.

    "There is a reason why one man is born black and with other disadvantages, while another is born white with great advantages. The reason is that we once had an estate before we came here, and were obedient, more or less, to the laws that were given us there. Those who were faithful in all things there received greater blessings here, and those who were not faithful received less."
    Joseph Fielding Smith, "Doctrines of Salvation," Page 61

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  • by Anonymous on November 7th, 2005

    Anonymous

    The Answer is No...

    Although I have no doubt this was asked to Fuel the fire of hatered against the Mormon Church.

    Check this out...

    Blacks that are deceased & never had the gospel will have the oppotunity to have it taught to them in the Spirit world & LIVE IT in the Resurrection.

    After all, that is a Mormon belief / Doctrine. Black, White WHATEVER!.

    What is worse? Black & Not to have heard, or Whites hear & not recieve?

    Therefore they are Justified in the knowledge that God will not Judge them or ANYONES sins but their OWN.

    You can also conclude that there may infact be Equal amounts of Races in Heaven.


    http://www.answerbag.com/a_view.php/32622

    There are other answers on this topic, on this site.

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  • by Andy Is Wicked Married to Penal Colony on April 19th, 2004

    Andy Is Wicked Married to Penal Colony

    One can't reasonably condemn all Mormons and refer to all of them as racist. However, there are many reasons that the Mormon religion is perceived as racist. I would not venture to say they are or aren't racist, but some unfortunate history in the church is probably the root of this idea that the Mormons are racist.

    It is too long and involved to go into here, so I will provide a link that one can peruse if they wish. Let me stress that I do not know how accurate the statements are and absolutely welcome anybody with more insight than I to provide more information:
    http://www.religioustolerance.org/lds_race.htm

    IF the information is accurate, I do find it amusing that this "revelation" in 1978 happened after the IRS threatened to take away the church's tax exempt status. You be the judge.

    As I CLEARLY stated above, I do not know how accurate the information per the link is and welcomed additional information from those who could shed some light on the contents. After all, I DID answer the question reasonably (see the very first and last sentence).

    No, the IRS cannot govern who is accepted or not as a member of any church nor did I claim it as fact (qualifier is "If"). It DOES and CAN review tax exempt status of many organizations, churches included, and determine their status invalid if certain criteria is not met. A chapter title from an IRS manual at www.irs.gov

    "Chapter 25. Exempt Organizations Determinations Manual
    Section 3. Religious, Charitable, Educational, Etc., Organizations (Cont. 1)"

    I am no tax expert and could not even begin to unravel their code(s) to figure out exactly what that criterion is. I am aware, however, that some organizations, private schools for example, must file an Annual Certification of Racial Nondiscrimination to remain exempt from Federal tax.

    I simply questioned the possible sources for why Mormons are perceived as racist. If that perception did not exist, the original question would not have been asked (I didn't ask it). A difference of opinion does not make an answer correct or incorrect. An incorrect answer would have been to say that all Mormons are racist or that all Mormons are not racist. How should I know? I have not interviewed every single Mormon worldwide thus cannot make that determination.

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  • by the Otter on January 8th, 2008

    the Otter

    This misconception stems from the fact that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that God blesses different individuals and, occasionally, different groups at different times. This is very apparent in the context of Priesthood ordinations. For example, under the law of Moses, only Levites could hold the Priesthood, and only descendants of Aaron could preside over the Levitical Priesthood. During Christ’s mortal ministry, the Priesthood was extended to all Israelites; and under Simon Peter, to all but the Canaanites.

    Until 1978, the Church of Jesus Christ taught that while someday the Canaanites would also be eligible to hold the Priesthood, that time had not come yet. Since most black Africans (and their descendants) are Canaanites and most American Canaanites are African-American, this restriction was misinterpreted by many—including many members of the Church—to mean that no black person could hold the Priesthood and/or that the Church was inherently racist. These points, however, break down when the facts are examined:

    • The first black Latter-day Saint ordained to the Priesthood was Elijah Abel, ordained in 1836 (just six years after the Church was organized).

    • Hundreds of other black Latter-day Saints—most of them Pacific Islanders, although most nineteenth-century Caucasians would also have considered Polynesians and Maori to be “black”—were also ordained to the Priesthood before the 1978 Revelation permitting Canaanites to hold the Priesthood.

    • In Brazil, there is a sizable population of *white* Canaanites who were also restricted from holding the Priesthood until 1978.

    And finally, a bit of anecdotal evidence: my brother-in-law is an African-American Latter-day Saint. If the so-called “Mormon religion” looked down on blacks, I doubt that would be the case. :-)

    Hope that helps!

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  • by anonymous on October 28th, 2007

    anonymous

    They're finished hating blacks (since 1978), now it's all about hating gays.
    The Mormon church is quite busy lobbying congress to make sure the filthy gays don't have the same rights as those good god-fearing heteros have.

    These people are DANGEROUS and SICK TO THE CORE!

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  • by Nathan Explosion on April 26th, 2008

    Nathan Explosion

    there was a period of time in the church's history when black people were not allowed to hold the priesthood.. as far as i can tell this was not the case when Joseph Smith founded the church, and probably started with Brigham Young.. it continued until 1978 when the position was reversed following a "revelation" by the prophet at the time.. it's reversal most likely had more to do with increasing it's numbers than anything else.. but currently the church holds no stance against black people other than the fact that most of the higher leadership in the church (like many other christian faiths) continues to be made up predominantly of white men..

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  • by DRLAURAHATER on July 26th, 2007

    DRLAURAHATER

    I don't know of any religion that puts people of different races down.

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  • by researcher for God on May 22nd, 2007

    researcher for God

    The offical LDS policy has changed: See

    http://www.blacklds.org/

    For other info see:

    http://www.utlm.org/

    http://www.mrm.org/

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  • by TenLostTribes on May 3rd, 2010

    TenLostTribes

    The LDS Church does not teach prejudice against someone for their race. We believe that we should love everyone--despite color, race, or religion.

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  • by iDeath on March 3rd, 2011

    iDeath

    Orig
    inal,born of polygamy dyed in the wool Utah mormaons look down on all converts, unless they are hot women. Thats why so many ugly men are here in the east. They're looking for wives. I have never seen a good looking sister missionary,usually after their missions are done the decent ones become nannies for rich NYC,DC and etc rich non-members and lure them away to Utah (Idaho etc) or stay here in the east.
    As for african americans, If I were balck I'd support black churches,not one that claims the mark of cain is blak skin. That dark skin is a curse that can only be lifted after death. I'd say Kiss My Black Shoes.

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  • by John Cox will be back April 6th 2013 on September 30th, 2011

    John Cox will be back April 6th 2013

    Nope, our religion teaches us that we are all children of God and that we ought not judge one another based on race.

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  • by TenLostTribes on May 3rd, 2010

    TenLostTribes

    The LDS Church does not teach prejudice against someone for their race. We believe that we should love everyone--despite color, race, or religion.

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