The Priesthood Ban

[Paddy]

The Sunday School lesson today at church was entitled "God is No Respecter of Persons". Toward the end of the lesson a parallel was made between the lifting of the restriction to teach the gentiles and the dispute about circumcision with the the lifting of the priesthood ban in 1978. It was an interesting and appropriate discussion.

There was some speculations made by some members about some of the positive aspects of the removal of the ban but also some negative aspects - such as members leaving the church, etc...

I was a little young at the time to remember the impact, and I am not sure that it affected the saints here in Australia like it perhaps did in the US and other places.

So I am wondering if any on this board are willing to tell me their experiences with the removal of the priesthood ban, both positive and negative...?

Thanks

Paddy

[Messenger]

I had the privilege of Home Teaching an elderly couple several months ago. He was serving as mission president in Africa when the ban was lifted. I asked him many times to tell me stories of what it was like. I can only surmise from the many stories that he told me, that they were ready to receive the priesthood. I think this is Ironic, because many of us weren’t ready for them to.

Being in Australia on my mission, from a northern Yankee perspective, I've always felt that those African Americans here is the USA have had a better way of life with more opportunities and less social barriers than the aborigines in Australia.

I've taught aborigines, and they have been some of my most memorable lessons. When traveling to the outback in W.A., I've never felt the spirit more strongly on my mission then doing the work there. I realize there are many things to overcome. But I would say this, having participated in the priesthood myself, and being linked to such a cause, such barriers and preconceptions tend to melt away when God’s duties are to be performed.

While we are not all born in equal circumstances; such as the family we are raised in, or even physical and mental ailments, isn’t it nice that we at least no longer judge a person as inferior simply due to the color of their skin. In God's eye, we are simply his children and are equal in that respect. But we still have many barriers yet to overcome. Here are a few that I deal with everyday.

1) Single

2) Divorced

3) ADHD

4) Convert

On a side note, some of my most memorable experiences have been with my dear friends who are more tan than I.

[thesometimesaint]

Paddy:

I suppose there were and are members with that particular prejudice, but there really was/is no excuse for it. Every member I know rejoiced.

[Bob Crockett]

I was working for BYU at the time and sitting in my office when coworkers told me. It was a surprise and we all rejoiced.

[juliann]

I remember it as a huge sense of relief. I had acquired African-Am friends and it was excruciatingly uncomfortable to the point that I knew it would eventually result in having to choose between them. I have always heard about herds of people being so upset that they would leave or left. (That assumes that there was a lot of embedded racism in the LDS church and even studies did not support that.) Never knew or even heard any story about any individuals who actually did walk out. I'd put this in the same category as the concern over then right-winger Elder Benson becoming President. It all turned out just fine.

[Deborah]

I remember giving a shout out loud of joy. I had remembered a black family in one of my wards and I rejoiced for them because they were such a wonderful family. What I recall is that people were surprised but elated.

[ldsfaqs]

Racism so "non-existed" in the Church, and it taught tolerance, etc., that when the ban was lifted I hadn't even known it existed.

Of course, I was in the Church only a few years, so didn't know everything, but of all the religions prior I had been in, Mormonism was very non racist, so it was a surprise to me.

[why me]

I remember it quite well. We had a black member in our ward that was very active. When the ban was lifted there was overwhelming joy for this member. And he also rejoiced. I saw no racism in the ward before or after the ban. He was made an elder and married in the temple. This was in the late 70's.

[rpn]

I'd been married to a black non-member for about 3 months in June 1978. I didn't know anyone who expressed anything but joy (assuming that they had an opinion --- most of my LDS friends knew no one of color personally at the time and had no skin in the issue.)

Now I live in the south. When the question comes up (as it does occasionally) there is always someone who will speak up and say that they had heard of someone who had left the church because of it, but I've never heard an actual NAME of anyone who did.

[Bernard Gui]

Just as I can remember one day walking to lunch at my high school,

I heard someone say President. Kennedy had been shot, I remember

exactly my reaction to the news that all members of the

church could now receive the priesthood.

Mrs. Gui and I with 3 little Guis were driving across Kansas from

Illinois to New Mexico. We were listening to the radio when it announced

as a news item on the hourly news. Mrs. Gui and I immediately broke into

tears of joy as the Spiritbore record that now was the right time for it to

happen. Our thoughts went immediately to a family in our Illinois ward

that was affected by the change. It was a time of rejoicing.

I do not know anyone who complained, objected, or walked away because

of it. Indeed, it was the right tome, and a new generation had been well-prepared

for it. In a time of unrest, the Church navigated it well. Not all denominations

dealt with desegregation as easily.

Bernard

[Garden Girl]

I was taught as I was growing up (1940's - 60's), that at some point in these last days that blacks would be given the priesthood and receive all the blessings of heaven, according to a statement by, I believe, Brigham Young.

So when I heard that the priesthood would be given to all worthy males, I was not really surprised but more of "At last!" I grew up expecting this change... so when it happened it made me joyful.

GG

[Lightbearer]

There was some speculations made by some members about some of the positive aspects of the removal of the ban but also some negative aspects - such as members leaving the church, etc...

I was a little young at the time to remember the impact, and I am not sure that it affected the saints here in Australia like it perhaps did in the US and other places.

So I am wondering if any on this board are willing to tell me their experiences with the removal of the priesthood ban, both positive and negative...?

Thanks

Paddy

The revelation removing the restriction on the priesthood to the black race came about one year prior to my going on my Mission so I remember it very well. The interesting thing is I was living in the south (North east Florida to be exact) where I still live. It was received as the greatest revelation of the 20th century. It was all positive, I remember some speculated that when it was revealed some members might leave the church but I never witnessed anyone who did so,at least not in my area or anywhere I have traveled since. I have no recollection of any protests or disaffections because of it. Mostly it was a great relief (at least on my part) because I would ot have to "explain" the reason for the ban. While I did understand it (the reason sited in Abraham) I was releaved when President Kimball announced the revelation. Of course ever since we have had Anti-mormons who used it as an issue to beat the church up for ever having such a policy. Those who like to re-write history like to attribute the ban to racism among the church leadership but it is a contemptable lie. I was very happy about the revelation and knew all along that it was inevitable. In fact prophets had promised it would happen in the Lord's on due time. In fact the quote from OD-2 does give some info in that reguard:

(Doctrine and Covenants | Official Declaration 2:4-12)" June 8, 1978

To all general and local priesthood officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world:

Dear Brethren:

As we have witnessed the expansion of the work of the Lord over the earth, we have been grateful that people of many nations have responded to the message of the restored gospel, and have joined the Church in ever-increasing numbers. This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.

Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God's eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance.

He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color. Priesthood leaders are instructed to follow the policy of carefully interviewing all candidates for ordination to either the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood to insure that they meet the established standards for worthiness.

We declare with soberness that the Lord has now made known his will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel.

Sincerely yours,

SPENCER W. KIMBALL

N. ELDON TANNER

MARION G. ROMNEY

The First Presidency

Recognizing Spencer W. Kimball as the prophet, seer, and revelator, and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is proposed that we as a constituent assembly accept this revelation as the word and will of the Lord. All in favor please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed by the same sign.

The vote to sustain the foregoing motion was unanimous in the affirmative.Salt Lake City, Utah, September 30, 1978"

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Paddy:

I suppose there were and are members with that particular prejudice, but there really was/is no excuse for it. Every member I know rejoiced.

If they left because of that...probably best they did.

[thesometimesaint]

Pa Pa:

I don't like it when anyone leaves the Church. I guess if someone is looking for an excuse, any will do.

[The Nehor]

I was too young to remember it but the stories I have heard were mostly that it got a positive reception.

A friend who was on his mission gave me the only negative reaction I've heard. He described his companion as a 'good ol southern boy' and he went rigid when he heard it. When they got home that night he started hitting the wall in frustration chanting, "I can't believe they gave the n****s the Priesthood." I don't know if he left the Church over it though. My friend went home that month so he doesn't know what happened.

Other then that everything was positive.

[Garden Girl]

I never did understand how people could actually leave the Church over the lifting the ban. The revelation came from God after much prayer (as Pres Hickley described it because he was there in the upper room as they again addressed this matter with the Lord). The answer came, the revelation was followed... those who balked are really arguing with God, not the brethren.

GG

[Paddy]

Thanks for all the responses.

Personally i am very pleased that the saints don't have to worry about this anymore. It simply is an untenable position in the modern culture. I asked my wife about it - she it a convert to the church- and she flat out said that if this policy was still in place when she investigated the church that she would not have joined. So I wonder if the ban had not only an affect on blacks but also anyone else??

Even I would find it an issue if it was still in place.

Paddy

[thesometimesaint]

Paddy:

I joined the Church about 7 years before the Ban was lifted. It was definitely a major concern of mine. I finally resolved my internal conflict by realizing that if this really was Gods' Church then whom was I to question how He ran it. Time and experience have taught me that this IS Gods' Church, and it is the place I need to be.

[Paddy]

I've taught aborigines, and they have been some of my most memorable lessons. When traveling to the outback in W.A., I've never felt the spirit more strongly on my mission then doing the work there.

Messenger

Yes the Australian aborigines, particularly the ones for the outback, are a remarkable people. I probably should already know this, but, do you know if they were affected by the priesthood ban. I have a recollection that some other "races" were affected or there was some ambiguity around it??

Thanks

Paddy

[Calm]

I was too young to remember it but the stories I have heard were mostly that it got a positive reception.

A friend who was on his mission gave me the only negative reaction I've heard. He described his companion as a 'good ol southern boy' and he went rigid when he heard it. When they got home that night he started hitting the wall in frustration chanting, "I can't believe they gave the n****s the Priesthood." I don't know if he left the Church over it though. My friend went home that month so he doesn't know what happened.

How sad.

This is the only specific story about a negative reaction that I can remember ever hearing. Even those members who had prejudices that I knew of were happy when the change occurred (these prejudices were of the condescending 'treat like children' type). For the number of times I've heard about the negative reactions, I would think there would be more negative stories out there about people leaving, etc. though I am glad that there are not.

[Paddy]

Paddy:

I joined the Church about 7 years before the Ban was lifted. It was definitely a major concern of mine. I finally resolved my internal conflict by realizing that if this really was Gods' Church then whom was I to question how He ran it. Time and experience have taught me that this IS Gods' Church, and it is the place I need to be.

I agree. Irrespective of the fact that the ban has been lifted since 1978 people still need to come to terms with it somehow. It has been part of our history longer than it hasn't.

From the little that I have read, it is a fascinating and complex history. In fact the whole restoration movement is. The more I learn the more I appreciate it.

Paddy

[Flyonthewall]

I was in my teens when it was lifted, and since there were no blacks in my ward, when I heard it, I thought: there was a ban?

I heard a lot of excited conversations, all positive.

[blackstrap]

To clarify,it seems to me that the ban was on the african blacks and not other aboriginals,please confirm or deny.

[JeremyOrbe-Smith]

Before I joined the Church, I was very bothered by the frankly inadequate responses I received from some members who, I realize now, were simply not informed about the nature of non-doctrinal folk traditions (ie, giving post-hoc rationalizations about a "curse", or how blacks were "less-valiant in the preexistence", etc).

I am not sure I would have investigated the Church more deeply if the ban had still been in place. The male-only Priesthood is tough enough for me (and based on similarly tenuous tradition, as far as I can see). Here is some excellent background on the history of how it all went down, for anyone who's not familiar with it: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7P1x3NXLrqkMjE5NzEwZDAtNjZkOS00YmM0LTk0NjYtZDcyYTQ2ZDQ2ZTIz&hl=en&authkey=CLm4-fMN&pli=1

My experience with my own family's skeptical (to say the least) questions regarding the Church's position on racial matters shows that we can still do more to understand the background and transmit it more accurately to others. There is still a need for us to be familiar with this material, so I hope people take the time to read the entirety of the amazing story of how President Kimball and the brethren wrestled the Lord in prayer like Enos and received answers to the concerns of the Saints.

(By the way, can I just say right here that President Kimball was the absolute man? Cuz' he totally was.)

[ldsfaqs]

Thanks for all the responses.

Personally i am very pleased that the saints don't have to worry about this anymore. It simply is an untenable position in the modern culture. I asked my wife about it - she it a convert to the church- and she flat out said that if this policy was still in place when she investigated the church that she would not have joined. So I wonder if the ban had not only an affect on blacks but also anyone else??

Even I would find it an issue if it was still in place.

Paddy

Paddy, I wanted to mention that one of the reasons many people are offended by the ban, is because they have been lied to, and not told what the ban actually was.

The first lie people believe is that the ban applied to "blacks". This is completely false. The ban only applied to those of "African Lineage", even some whites were denied the Priesthood because they had that lineage.

The second lie is that people aren't told that many "blacks" WERE given the Priesthood. Those of other lineages, some of Central/South America, the Islands, India, etc.

The third lie is that people aren't told that the Priesthood and even the Gospel itself was always highly restricted through scriptural history.

The fourth lie is that even with the Priesthood ban, blacks could be full members of the Church, were never segregate, and the Church always taught tolerance, and wasn't at all racist, especially compared to everyone else. Not that there never was a wrong thing ever said by members of the Church, but the Church was always strongly against racism.

More could be said, but you get the idea.

Edited August 16, 2011 by ldsfaqs