Secondary Questions / Race and the Priesthood
The priesthood and temple ban for Black members of African descent.
What the question is
From the mid-19th century until 1978, men of Black African descent were not ordained to the priesthood, and Black members were generally not admitted to temple ordinances. The Church has formally disavowed the past explanations and lifted the restriction by revelation in 1978.
Where to read what the Church has published
How this often lands
This one hurts, and it should. The harm was real, and many of our brothers and sisters carry it still. The honest acknowledgment of past error, and the courage to change in response to revelation, are part of what makes a continuing Restoration possible.
A small reminder, before you scroll on
This is one of the harder questions, and it’s a real one. It isn’t, on its own, the foundation. If it’s been a while since you sat with the primary questions — or if you haven’t yet — that’s usually the most helpful place to return.