Ban on black priests had racist roots, say Mormons
In the past, the Mormon Church has said history isn’t clear on why blacks were banned from its all-male priesthood for more than a century. Now it is.
The reason, according to a newly released explanation from the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is rooted in racism rather than revelation.
“Race and the Priesthood,” posted December 6 on the church’s website, also jettisons any beliefs developed through the years to defend the prohibition. The findings are drawing praise from black Mormons and historians.
