Religion and Politics

Why Race Is Still a Problem for Mormons

At The New York Times, John Turner takes on racism in the history of Mormonism. Until a 1978 revelation reversed the policy, for most of the LDS Church’s history, people of African descent were excluded from full church membership. Turner writes, “a fuller confrontation with the past would serve the church’s interests. Journalists frequently ask prominent Mormons like Mr. Romney and … [congressional candidate, and black Mormon Mia] Love about the priesthood ban … Statements by prior church presidents and apostles provide fodder for those Latter-day Saints—if small in number—who adhere to racist notions.”

Read at The New York Times

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