Historical Detail

Black Latter-day Saints have been numbered among the Church’s membership since 1830. In the first half of the 19th century, Black members whose ancestry traced to Africa received the priesthood, served missions, led congregations, crossed the plains (including in the first pioneer company of 1847), and helped establish the Church in Utah Territory. From 1852 through 1978, Black men were restricted from receiving the priesthood, and both Black men and Black women were prohibited from receiving temple ordinances.

However, during that time, the Church was not devoid of Black membership. In 1971, the Genesis Group, an organization designed to support Black Latter-day Saints, was organized under the direction of Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and Boyd K. Packer. And in June 1978, Official Declaration 2 “removed all restrictions with regard to race that once applied to the priesthood.” The Gospel Topics essay “Race and the Priesthood” provides an overview of the history and policy related to Black members of the Church and the priesthood. It also explains the Church’s stance on racism: “Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form.” The essay’s footnotes identify many useful sources for historical context, individual experiences, statements of policy, and historical analysis.