The Secret Report That Shattered Mormon Racist “Doctrine” - The Bennion Report | Ep. 1918

The Bennion Report and the Deconstruction of Racism in Mormon Doctrine

A little-known report drafted in the late 20th century could change the conversation on race within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Bennion Report, named after its author, historian and sociologist Larry Nelson, emerged from the LDS Church’s attempts to understand its racially charged history. As flags raised over racist doctrine and ecclesiastic policies, this report challenged deeply entrenched beliefs about race that had shaped Mormonism since its inception. In a historical moment when institutional racism is being scrutinized, understanding the implications of the Bennion Report is more relevant than ever.

Historical Context of Racism in the LDS Church

The LDS Church has long grappled with a legacy of racial discrimination that several key doctrines reinforced until the late 20th century. Beginning in 1852, the church's leaders instituted a ban on Black males receiving the priesthood, attributing it to a curse of lineage derived from the biblical figure Cain. This doctrine became intertwined with the church’s identity, influencing its global missionary efforts. As the church expanded, it confronted the uncomfortable reality of diverse populations, particularly in nations with significant Black identities such as Brazil and South Africa.

Yet as the church grew, the doctrine began to clash with its missionary aims. During the 1940s and 50s, missionaries reported challenges in these regions, claiming their teachings were undermined by their own church's restrictions tied to race. Ironically, the missionary push into these racially complex environments underscored the inadequacy of a doctrine that categorized individuals by skin color.

Key Claims of the Bennion Report