Black mormons?

Question

Are black people allowed to be Mormon? I heard it was in the 1960's before they were allowed to be Mormon, and why would they want to be Mormon if Mormons believe their skin is black because they were neutral between Jesus and Satan?

Answer 1

yes they can.

Answer 2

Black people have always been allowed to be Mormon, but black men have not always been allowed to hold the Priesthood. I have no problem talking about this. Joseph Smith was one of the most outspoken people against slavery and actually made it a part of his platform when he was going to run for president. The Mormon churches acceptance of black people was one of the reasons they faced problems early on. Now, as to the Priesthood, it is true they weren't allowed to be ordained in the Priesthood until the late 70's. The reasoning for this isn't quite clear, but that is not new to our times. There are many occassions in the Bible when God gave certain blessings or rights to only certain people, without much explination (e.g., at one time only those of the lineage of Levi were holders of a certain Priesthood). There are many things we may not comprehend, but that should not prevent us from believing in truth. Even top leaders in the Mormon faith sought to extend the Priesthood to black members for years before it happend and were saddened that they didn't receive it until they did. I certainly don't think I would allow not comprehending something to deter me from following god.

One answerer above cites many quotes from higher members of the Mormon faith at one time, I guess thinking they will make them appear racist, but one could look at almost any white man quotes from the periods of these and they would sound the same. It was not racist, but the way people spoke, because of culture, media, misinformation, etc. Mormons believe that all men are equal in the eyes of God, or so that is what they're taught, whether they all practice this is up to them.

Mormons don't believe the sins of prior generations pass down to new generations, so even if there are those that believe someone's skin color in biblical times is because of a sin doesn't mean they look down upon an ancestor or other person. Further, the Church itself doesn't hold out the belief that black people are black because of Cain. That is only the personal opinion of some, not church doctrine.

One could discuss this topic for hours, but the bottom line is that Mormons aren't racist. They accept all people. This is one of the reasons the Church is growing quicker outside of the U.S. than it is in the U.S.

I sure wish I understood all things and knew all of God's thoughts and reasoning, but I don't. I don't think anyone does and I accept that. It certainly doesn't stop me from believing.

Answer 3

ACTUALLY, blacks have always been allowed to be Mormon. And there are many today!! The whole neutral between Jesus and Satan doesn't make sense either. Nobody on this earth has any relationship with Satan!

Answer 4

Allowed? of course they are! i know many black mormons, and they are very nice people. its not true that it wasn't until the 1960's that they were allowed to be LDS. There were black mormons before then, infact there was black woman that Emma Smith was good friends with. there is nothing wrong with black people, there are many black mormons, and they are good members. i hope that helps

Answer 5

Yes, black people are most definitely alowed to be Mormon. I know a lot of african-americans who are Mormon. I have no idea why people think we are so against black people. Anyone, and everyone is allowed into our Church.

Answer 6

Mormons used to believe that Black People were cursed with the Mark Of Cain and therefore could not hold the priesthood or be respected. Miraculously they changed this after the rest of the US had a problem with their someone red necked ideals. Brigham Young even once said the Penalty for marrying a black person is to slit your throat from ear to ear and let your blood spill on the ground. I don't know why Mormons on here insist you are being fed lies. It is written down.

Answer 7

You know i think you are funny. I've seen you answer and ask questions and you can't stand mormons. You ask questions as though you are genuinely interested and then spew hatred and ignorance in your answers and or attachments or even in the underlines of your questions. If you don't like us fine...but why do you intentionally try to criticize us and spew out lies in hopes that some naive person will believe your ludicrous alegations? But you know what it's cool, because it just gives us more chances to let people know what we are really about. And we can dispute misunderstandings and straight out lies. In a way you are helping us- so thanks for your ignorance and hatred. I hope someday that you feel peace, a peace that doesn't let hatred creep in no matter what race, beliefs, or what someone might have done to you.

Answer 8

Black people have always been Mormon. From the time of Joseph Smith. In fact, back then, we were one of the very few churches that did not segregate our congregations by race.

Blacks did not hold the priesthood until 1978, but we don't know why. The theory that they were neutral or less valiant in the war in heaven is just that, a theory.

Answer 9

You've been fed some lies. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints(mormon/LDS) and the second counilor in my bishopric is from Ghana(yes he's black) and I respect him just as much if not more than everyone in my ward.

"Mormons" (on the whole) are the least racist people I know. They preach the gospel to everyone on earth regardless of skin color, race or nationality.

Hope that helps. Have a great day!:)

Answer 10

I love it when mormons are called down to explain the obviously racist attitudes of church leadership by stating it's a misunderstood 'metaphore'. Here we go:

2 Nephi 5:21
"And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, and they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them."

3 Nephi 2:15
"And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites."

Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and full-time Nazi stated:
"The negroes are not equal with other races when the receipt of certain spiritual blessings are concerned..."
...As a result of his rebellion, Cain was cursed with a dark skin; he became the father of the negroes"
"Cain Ham, and the whole ***** race have been cursed with a black skin, the mark of Cain, so they can be identified as a caste apart, a people with whom the other descendants of Adam should not intermarry."

JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH Tenth Prophet and President of the Mormon Church:
"I would not want you to believe that we bear any animosity toward the *****. "Darkies" are wonderful people, and they have their place in our church." Look magazine, October 22, 1963, page 79

MARK E. PETERSON of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was even a bigger bigot:
"Now we are generous with the *****. We are willing that the ***** have the highest kind of education. I would be willing to let every ***** drive a Cadillac if they could afford it. I would be willing that they have all the advantages they can get out of life in the world. But let them enjoy these things among themselves. I think the Lord segregated the ***** and who is man to change that segregation?" Race Problems - as They Affect The Church (address given at Brigham Young University.

This list is extensive, but I think this addresses the issue: The Mormon Church is lead by zealous racists. The evidence is abundant, and has never been apologized for.

Answer 11

Yet another example of your misinformation on Mormons. This could be out of naivite though. Blacks could always be Mormon. There always have been since the early days of the church. It was in June of 1978 that all blacks were granted the priesthood. This was not racist, it was simply how God designed them to be.