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 disavowed prior explanations and lifted the restriction by revelation in 1978.
Where to read what the Church has published
How to weigh it
The Church has formally and openly disavowed the past justifications. The honest acknowledgment of error is part of what makes a continuing Restoration possible.
A reminder before you scroll on
This is one secondary question. It is real. It is not, by itself, load-bearing. The primary questions are. If you have not yet worked through them — or if it’s been a while — start there.
When you’re ready
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