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LDS black leaders call for spirit of unity

This priesthood issue was a difficult thing for me to understand when I was converted to the church, coming from a family whose great grandfather ran a station on the Underground Railway and who had many other family members (southerners) deeply involved in the civil rights movement going clear back into the 1800's. But I accepted the inspiration the Lord gave me that he would take care of the issue when it was time--and he did. I was one of the happiest people in the Church the day that revelation was announced!
I cannot understand why, especially in view of the wonderful, faithful black members of the church clear back to the the beginning, anyone would object--I personally have NEVER met anyone in the church who wasn't pleased, and I've lived all over the country.
To my brothers and sisters, whoever you are, wherever you are, and from whatever background you are, may we love and serve each other.

This is a refreshing story. Too often minority leaders in America focus on something that pulls us apart. It is so wonderful to hear of leaders who speak of matters that bring us together. The world is better when we work together rather than separate ourselves. I wish more of these leaders could be more prominent to offset the outlandish hypocrisy of bigots like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Wow, a lot of truly inspired people contributed to this article, some real spiritual giants. Very uplifting. They really focus one's attention on the essence of the gospel of Christ. Makes me want to be a better person and parent.

I pray the gospel will continue to spread to all corners of the earth. I've always pictured the Lord at the head of a long table with many empty chairs and him weeping with joy when an empty chair was filled. He wants all of us of every color, hue and ethnicity to be with him. If people are open-minded enough to investigate and pray with real intent, they will receive a testimony of Christ and his Church as these fine people have done.

I remember when the announcement was made. Like so many others, I wept with joy. It is really incredibly rewarding to see great spirits like those highlighted stepping forward to lead us to Christ. They have my deepest regard and respect.

Thank you for a wonderful article.

Brilliant (1:00 a.m.),

"This is a refreshing story. Too often minority leaders in America focus on something that pulls us apart. It is so wonderful to hear of leaders who speak of matters that bring us together."

That's the problem and nothing has really changed because of your attitude. If blacks lick our boots and forgive us for every past injustice we applaud them for doing so because it benefits us but when they do the opposite and condemn us for our current racism we feign outrage.

"I wish more of these leaders could be more prominent to offset the outlandish hypocrisy of bigots like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton."

That's what this really comes down to isn't it? If they are good "boys" and do what "blacks" should do and lick your boots you praise them but if they challenge you current racism you accuse them of being bigots.

The one thing the Church needs to do on this for any real healing to take place is to say that the priesthood ban was not inspired of God and that it was the result of racism on the part of members and leaders of the Church.

Wonderful article.

Last Sunday, I was able to attend a baptismal service of an African American man. After his baptism, during the bearing of his testimony, he told of his conversion story. Another African American bother talked about his conversion as one of the speakers. There were few dry eyes in the congregation! We are so blessed to live during these times! Welcome to all our black brothers and sisters! You will be such a great blessing to all of us!

After being a LDS member for the past 50 years - it seems as if every year, someone has to bring up "the race-card" in Church.

"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"

We need to LEARN FROM HISTORY, (not dwell in it), so that we don't do that same wrong all over again from History, and a lesson was found in it.

I had a "flashback" after reading this story - when a BLACK called for a spirit of unity amid the growing diversity within the church - it almost reminded me of what Rodney King had said as well, with his "can't we all just get along" after the riots in CA. GET OVER IT WILL YA?. No matter how it's said, it's still "playing the race-card."

Back in the days of the twelve tribes of Israel, the only tribe who was allowed the priesthood was the Levites. It didn't mean that the other tribes were bad or couldn't be members, nor did it mean that the other tribes would never be priests. We know that later on, members of other tribes would hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. So who knows why the Lord only wanted the priesthood to be with one tribe at one time? As long as all of his children are eventually entitled to the same blessings, who cares?

It must have been a wonderful meeting. I wish I had been there.
We spend too much energy affirming who we are rather than seeking a testimony of the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ, and earnestly trying to become like Him. When we know Christ, we know ourselves. No one, black nor white, will stand in this church without a firm testimony of its truthfulness, .
What a difference between that meeting and what happened on the streets of Salt Lake in the Gay Pride Parade. One seeking God's glory. The other, their own pride.

how is it that leaders like jesse jackson is bigotted but no-one points out that ezra taft benson actually ran with george wallace, in his fight for the white house. black people accept the priesthood and the story that went with that but that doesn't mean they have to forget their history. jews don't forget their history, why is it bigotry for blacks not to forget theirs?

Just some excerpts from Wikipedia.

Elijah Abel (July 25, 1810 � December 25, 1884) was the first black elder and seventy in the Latter Day Saint movement, and one of the few black members in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to receive the priesthood.
Abel was born in Maryland as a slave. He was baptized into the Church of Christ in September 1832.
Abel was ordained an elder on March 3, 1836 in Kirtland, by Joseph Smith, Jr. In December 1836, he was ordained a seventy. In 1839, Abel was made a member of the Nauvoo Seventies Quorum. He worked as a mortician. He was a carpenter by profession and assisted in the construction of temples in Kirtland, Nauvoo, and Salt Lake City.
In 1843, Abel served a mission in New York.
In 1847, he accompanied Brigham Young to Utah Territory. In 1884 he served a final mission in Canada, during which he became ill. He died upon his return home.
Abel's son Enoch and Enoch's son Elijah � were ordained to the priesthood: Enoch was ordained an elder on November 27, 1900; and Elijah was ordained an elder on September 29, 1935.

I was blessed to sing in the choir. It was one of the most special, spirtual and AWESOME experience to be there and feel the spirit, and hear the words the Lord wanted us to hear.

What would expect from a culture that spends all its time setting itself apart?

As me, my wife and 2 children are the only Latter-Day Saints who are white (and one other Sister) in our congregation, I am happy to know that what was quoted in this article is true. I know my family is considered by my Brothers and Sisters as "thier People" in the Branch and I know that I will eternally love and cherish "my people" that I worship with too. We are all Latter-Day Saints, who by God's design have different color of skin and different habits and culture. To that I say I am happy too!

I hear someting being swept under the rug...

My wife was talking with her Father a couple of months ago. He is a Democrat (one of the 5 in Utah) and is 80 years old. He finished 6th grade before he started working for the Railroad. He weighed in on all of the issues that Hillary and Barack were representing and talked of the coming election. He is old-fashioned and very set in his ways. I was so happy to hear from my wife that he talked for 30 minutes about a woman and a African-American who are candidates for the Pres of the US and never once refered to their gender or race! He saw two candidates. These are the steps that we need to take as a country and as a culture that are neccessary for us to see all Saints as just that: Saints!

Fantastic article! I'm glad they held this meeting.

I would like to ask something I have wondered about. What does the church say about interracial marriage? Is it possible to have such a marriage in the temple?

Wish this had been broadcast.

Great Article. My husband and son went to the Tabernacle to see the program. My young son came home and joyously announced that he met Big T (Thural Bailey)while he was there. And that Big T shook his hand and talked with him. He was thrilled! My husband and son also enjoyed the talks that were presented and my son learned alot. It was an uplifting experience for both of them. And I would like to thank Big T. for being such a positive influence for young people. And being a great example for others who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (LDS Church) and for those, like yourself, who are.