LDS black leaders call for spirit of unity

Though they may not fully understand the reasons for the LDS Church's one-time ban on priesthood for black males, three black leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called for a spirit of unity amid the growing diversity within the church on Sunday as they joined thousands in celebration at the Tabernacle.

Held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, the first church-sponsored commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the faith's announcement extending its priesthood to "all worthy males" on June 8, 1978, drew more than 2,500 to hear words of encouragement, both spoken and sung.

Fred A. Parker, president of the Atlanta Stake, said during his "short tenure in the gospel, I've been asked time and again" by media, church members, investigators, friends and family members about the reason for the priesthood ban for black males for nearly a century and a half before 1978.

He said he is "very clear in answer to this unsettled question" that he is "grounded in my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ" and that "Heavenly Father knows best. I may not have a satisfying explanation," he said, quoting a Book of Mormon prophet who said God created all things, and that "he has all wisdom and all power, both in heaven and in earth."

"I don't feel it's necessary for me to understand all the Lord's dealings to believe that he is God and that he loves all his children ... I know that he can make us happy. We can't understand all his thoughts, and my faith isn't limited by things I don't understand. ... The power and ordinances of priesthood are real, majestic and compelling."

Parker issued a personal invitation to "every nation, kindred, tongue and people to explore the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Find out for yourselves and act on the promptings of the holy spirit." He said he's often reminded that "to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Our time is now and our Heavenly Father knows best."

Catherine Stokes, a longtime church member and former administrator with the Illinois Department of Public Health, said she has a hard time measuring "institutional progress" in the church since 1978, but there are many personal stories of bridge-building between people of different races and love within the LDS Church. She quoted one friend who has seen "extraordinary progress since 1978," sharing memories about "wonderful experiences observing and experiencing the interracial interactions the church provided" in one Chicago ward. "I learned a lot about myself and the absolute power of Christ-like love."