Revelation or Secret Meeting? How the Mormon Priesthood and Temple Bans Ended | Ep. 1954

Revelation or Secret Meeting? Understanding the End of Mormon Priesthood and Temple Bans

On June 1, 1978, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a momentous change: the lifting of the longstanding priesthood and temple bans on Black members. This shift was hailed by many as a revelation, a divine correction of a policy that marginalized members based on race. However, the path leading to this announcement has been scrutinized and debated. Was it truly a revelation, or was it the outcome of secret meetings and strategic decisions within the church? This article explores this critical juncture in Mormon history.

Historical Background: A Tradition Rooted in Controversy

The priesthood and temple bans were introduced by Brigham Young in the mid-19th century, justified through a range of theological rationales. While Joseph Smith, the church's founder, ordained African American men like Elijah Abel to the priesthood, Young's policy solidified a racially exclusive practice that persisted for over a century. The policy's maintenance increasingly clashed with evolving social norms and internal pressures within the church.

Examining the Key Claims and Evidence

Despite official narratives, scholars like Dr. Matthew Harris, whose work is featured on John Dehlin's "Mormon Stories Podcast", suggest the decision was influenced by a mix of public relations needs, internal dissension, and external pressures. The leaked communications and records from church leaders hinted at a growing awareness of the untenability of the bans. For instance, church leaders like Hugh B. Brown expressed interest in rescinding the policy as early as the 1960s, though met with resistance from others such as President Harold B. Lee. Spencer W. Kimball, who ultimately oversaw the policy's termination as church president, confronted decades of accumulated tension and the aspirations of members disenfranchised by the ban.