Mormon prophet claimed that Native Americans were turning white

The Controversial Claim of a Prophet: Native Americans Turning White

What happens when religious beliefs intersect with scientifically debunked theories about race and ethnicity? In the case of the LDS Church, one prophet's assertion regarding Native Americans has sparked ongoing debate. Spencer W. Kimball, the 12th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, once claimed that Native American children living among white families were literally becoming "white and delightsome." This bold and racially charged statement, documented in speeches and conferences, remains a point of contention both inside and outside the LDS community.

Historical Context and Background

The LDS Church has long held beliefs about Native Americans that trace back to the Book of Mormon, where Native peoples are described as descendants of the Lamanites, a group that received a "curse" of dark skin upon moral transgression. This notion has historically reinforced racial hierarchies within the church. Enter Spencer W. Kimball, a prominent figure who took these antiquated beliefs a step further by suggesting that Lamanites could literally become light-skinned through spiritual conversion and assimilation into white Mormon families.

Throughout the mid-20th century, Kimball was an ardent advocate for the church's Indian Placement Program. The program placed Native American children in the homes of white LDS families during the school year. Kimball's claims that these children were becoming physically lighter due to their new environment were presented as spiritual evidence of divine favor. However, these assertions raise significant ethical concerns regarding cultural assimilation and racism.

Key Claims and Evidence