The Lasting Legacy of the LDS Priesthood & Temple Ban | Ep. 1965

The Unsettled Past of the LDS Priesthood and Temple Ban

The legacy of the LDS Church's priesthood and temple ban has left lasting scars. Understanding these scars is essential for both current members and those exploring the faith. This issue touches on fundamental questions of equality, race, and the evolution of religious institutions. "The Lasting Legacy of the LDS Priesthood & Temple Ban," a rigorous examination found in Dr. Matthew Harris' book "Second Class Saints: Black Mormons in the Struggle for Racial Equality," explores these issues in depth. Dr. John Dehlin’s "Mormon Stories Podcast" episode on this topic sheds light on the church's historical practices and their ongoing impact, making this discussion pivotal and timely.

Historical Context: Origin and Impact

For over a century, Black members of the LDS Church were barred from priesthood ordination and temple rites, policies officially repudiated by the Church in 1978. This ban was rooted in 19th-century racist doctrines, justified at the time by interpretations of scripture, like the curse of Cain. Despite being lifted, the repercussions of this practice continue to persist, echoed in interviews with Black members who still feel marginalized, as noted by Dr. Harris.

Many church leaders must grapple with the shadow of past exclusions that contrast the teachings of racial equality introduced later. In a candid moment recalled in the podcast, a church leader admitted historical mistakes without completely owning up to them, reflecting a tension between past and present leadership narratives.

Examining the Evidence: Conversations and Confessions