Church Statements On Race

[Doctor Steuss]

Just received the following from Marvin Perkins. Thought I'd pass it along:

Friends,

Many of you have seen and been very upset about the Washington Post article of February 28 http://www.washingto...XyfR_story.html , where BYU Professor Randy Bott (see Randy Bott http://religion.byu.edu/randy_bott ) publicly professes many of the incorrect teachings that have permeated the church regarding Blacks and race. Well today, the church responded with two official statements, one directly responding to the article which contain brother Bott’s comments. It’s a beautiful day. Please share this breaking and exciting news: http://blacksinthesc...om/in-the-news/

Thanks,

Marvin

Here is the statement (emphasis mine):

The positions attributed to BYU professor Randy Bott in a recent Washington Post article absolutely do not represent the teachings and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU faculty members do not speak for the Church. It is unfortunate that the Church was not given a chance to respond to what others said.

The Church’s position is clear—we believe all people are God’s children and are equal in His eyes and in the Church. We do not tolerate racism in any form.

For a time in the Church there was a restriction on the priesthood for male members of African descent. It is not known precisely why, how, or when this restriction began in the Church but what is clear is that it ended decades ago. Some have attempted to explain the reason for this restriction but these attempts should be viewed as speculation and opinion, not doctrine. The Church is not bound by speculation or opinions given with limited understanding.

We condemn racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church.

The second statement issued echos the final line in the first (again, emphasis mine):

The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church.

[Calm]

I think the Church's statements cannot be posted too much right now.

[blueadept]

The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church.

Racism existed in many parts of society especially in my father's generation and older. All we can do is acknowledge the existence in our own organizations, condemn it, and do what we can to help heal from it so that we all can move on in following Christ.

Fortunately, this issue has slowly died out in our younger generations especially in the US and many parts of the world, but the problem does still exist elsewhere.

[thesometimesaint]

blueadept:

It is dieing but still an all too frequent occurance even here in the US. There are still plenty of whites that would never choose to be a black 20something male if given the choice. I too long for the day that it is irrelevant.

[LifeOnaPlate]

http://www.fairblog.org/2012/03/09/fair-conversations-episode-16-max-mueller-on-blacks-and-the-priesthood/

please share this podcast far and wide.

[Deborah]

There is also a great article in Deseret News by a black member and former bishop: http://www.deseretne...ction.html?pg=3

Of note:

I cannot speak for the church or its leaders regarding the intent of the statements. However, I feel comfortable saying this: Whatever racism that may have been carried out by individuals inside or outside of the church against any person or group of persons is a matter of history, while the origin and purposes associated with the restriction of priesthood against those of African descent is a matter of faith.

The former is concerned with the manner in which mankind treats or has treated other humans, as individuals or collective bodies. The latter reflects how God deals with his children and his kingdom on earth.