[View the story "Mormon Church issues statement on past ban against black priests" on Storify ]Mormon Church issues statement on past ban against black priests An official statement addresses the former ban on black priests, which ended in 1978, and revives discussion on race in the LDS church. Storified by AJAMStream · Wed, Dec 11 2013 16:26:33
At some point the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended.mormonnewsroom.org
The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church.mormonnewsroom.org
Some have
noted that certain passages within The Book of Mormon, which members of the church believe was revealed to their prophet in the 1800s, portray blackness as a 'curse.'
The church's latest statement has brought renewed attention to the church's history of teachings on race. Many expressed skepticism over the news:
@AP Well & good but how do the current white Mormon members see blacks today ?amechi
@HuffPostRelig but do they say anything about their doctrine that says blacks were cursed by god? No? Didn't think so. #mormonD.M. Melehes
Others commended the effort:
Congratulations Mormon church. Better late than never // Mormon church explains past ban on black priests http://t.co/GE1qKWEDLwRob Drieslein
Good to see this. It's interesting how the Catholic Church teaches the Pope is infallible, but Catholics generally (including in leadership) view him as fallible; but the Mormon Church teaches the Prophet is fallible, but Mormons generally (including in leadership) view him as infallible.sltrib.com
Some speculated that the official statement was a foreshadowing of changes to come in the Mormon Church's stance on gays:
I believe the reason the church is doing this now is they are setting the stage to soften their stance on Gays.huffingtonpost.com
The LDS church has a history of being politically correct. They gave up polygamy so Utah could become a state, Then during the civil rights era, they started permitting blacks to become priests. Sometime in the near future look for them to accept gay marriage.news.yahoo.com
One commenter defended his faith as inclusive and accepting:
Let me share my experience growing up in the LDS faith. I was taught to love and respect my parents. I was taught to love all people because everyone of us is loved by God regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender.news.yahoo.com
What do you think about the Mormon Church's statement on the past ban of black priests? Leave a comment below.
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