From Deseret News archives:
LDS black leaders call for spirit of unity
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."
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."
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