Lecture on Racism in the Mormon Church

Introduction

• The Mormon Church has a history of racism, particularly against black people.
• Racism against black people includes a priesthood ban until 1978.
• The church's racism manifests differently against various ethnic groups.
• This lecture will focus on the history of racism against black people in the Mormon Church.

Historical Doctrines and Teachings

Book of Mormon Verses

• Mentions of skin color and righteousness.
• Scriptures implying that accepting Mormonism leads to a "white and delightsome" transformation.

The Curse of Cain and Ham

• Black skin was considered a curse from God (Curse of Cain).
• This ideology predated Joseph Smith but was adopted by him.
• Brigham Young expanded and enforced these doctrines.

Priesthood and Temple Ban

• Black Mormons were banned from receiving the priesthood and temple ordinances from 1852 to 1978.
• The ban included restrictions on temple marriages, deemed necessary for the highest heavenly blessings.
• This ban effectively excluded black people from the highest level of heaven, according to Mormon doctrine.

Social and Cultural Context

Joseph Smith and Brigham Young

• Joseph Smith's flip-flopping stance on slavery.
• Brigham Young's staunch racism and formalization of the discriminatory policy.

Race and the Mormon Church's Global Expansion

• The church's struggle with establishing missions in racially diverse regions like Nigeria and Brazil.
• The impact of the priesthood ban on these efforts was significant.

Social and Political Pressure to Change

Civil Rights Movement and Protests

• 1960s civil rights movement heightened pressure on the church.
• Protests from universities and athletic departments against BYU's policies.

IRS and Tax-exempt Status

• The IRS policy change threatened the church's tax-exempt status due to racial discrimination.
• The church's fear of losing this status contributed to policy reconsideration.

1978 Revelation and Continuing Issues

• Official Declaration 2 ended the ban in 1978.
• No formal apology was issued by the church.

Modern Reflections and Critiques

• The church uses diversity in PR, possibly as a cover-up for its past.
• Many black members were unaware of the church’s racist history until much later.
• Calls for holding the church accountable for its past and educating potential converts.

Conclusion

• The lecture highlights the deep-rooted racism within the church and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
• Encouragement to understand the church's history for informed decisions on membership.