Black Mormons Respond to Church Leaders Supporting Racial Segregation? | Ep. 1930
Aug 19, 2024
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Nate Byrd, an advocate for racial issues in the Mormon community, joins Summer-Rayn, a researcher in racial dynamics, and Dr. Darron Smith, an academic in race and religion, alongside John Dehlin, a social issues researcher. They delve into the uncomfortable truths of Mormon leadership's historical support for racial segregation. Discussion points include the impact of patriarchal blessings on Black members, the legacy of racist ideologies, and the need for critical reevaluation of church doctrines. The dialogue is rich with personal experiences and calls for inclusivity within the faith.
The podcast explores the historical and ongoing impact of racist doctrines and policies on Black Mormons within the Church.
Panelists share personal stories about navigating their identities as Black Mormons, emphasizing the complexities of faith and race.
The discussion highlights the need for diverse perspectives, including those of Black African Mormons, in conversations about race and religion.
Tensions between public church image and past racist ideologies demonstrate the need for acknowledgment and healing within the community.
The panel calls for continued dialogue and advocacy for change, stressing the importance of addressing historical injustices to create an equitable church environment.
Deep dives
The Impact of 'Second Class Saints'
The podcast discusses 'Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality' by Dr. Matthew Harris, which explores the historical treatment of Black Mormons in the Church. The panel acknowledges the significance of the book and expresses appreciation for the opportunity to discuss its themes. They highlight the impact of doctrine, policies, and theology on the lives of Black Mormons throughout history and how these issues persist today. The positive feedback from listeners emphasizes the relevance of the subject matter and the need for open dialogue about it.
Experiences of Panelists
The podcast features a panel consisting of prominent figures such as Summer Rain, Nate Bird, and Dr. Darren Smith who share their personal experiences related to their identities as former or current Mormons. Summer speaks about her upbringing in the church and nascent conflicts with faith, highlighting the juxtaposition of her political and religious identities. Nate expresses his journey in navigating the faith and ultimately distancing himself while also engaging with Black representation in the church. Dr. Smith reflects on his tenure as a convert and the evolution of his understanding of the church's racial policies.
The Call for Diverse Voices
The panelists discuss a viewer comment suggesting the inclusion of Black African Mormons in future podcasts, underscoring the importance of diverse perspectives within the church. They acknowledge the growth of the church in Africa and express interest in addressing this critical issue in the broader context of the church’s racial policies. The panelists also highlight the distinction between the experiences of Black Americans and Black Africans in the church. This call for inclusion reflects an increasing awareness of the complexity surrounding race and religion within the Mormon tradition.
Inconsistencies in Church Teachings
The discussion dives into various clips from earlier episodes where previous church leaders discussed race and priesthood. Panelists share their shock at the racist ideologies espoused by leaders such as Mark Peterson and David O. McKay, specifically pointing to the suggestion that Black people could be forgiven through mere behavior change. The hypocrisy of advocating for racial purity and simultaneously acknowledging Black individuals in church leadership reflects a deep conflict in doctrine. This inconsistency demonstrates the tension between the church's public image and its underlying historical attitudes regarding race.
Interracial Relationships and Society
The panelists address the concept of racial passing and its implications within the church context, particularly focusing on how appearance can affect one's perceived status among church members. They share anecdotes about their experiences with attraction dynamics, emphasizing that the narrative surrounding Black men as predators fails to capture the realities of the relationships within Latter-day Saint culture. The perception of interracial relationships is discussed, particularly how those in the church historically reacted to such unions. This recognition of social dynamics helps highlight the broader societal implications of church teachings.
Difficult Conversations and Racism
Throughout the podcast, the panel outlines the need for the church to openly engage in conversations regarding its history of racism and discrimination. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging past wrongs to foster healing and a sense of belonging for current and former members. The discussion includes the recurring theme that, although some members experience personal kindness, the institution itself has inflicted deep trauma due to its policies and doctrines. Facing this reality is essential for restoring trust and building a more inclusive church environment.
The Challenge of Legacy
The podcast reflects on the legacies of influential figures within the church and their varying opinions on race. While some church leaders recognized the need for change, others vehemently defended racist policies in a manner that benefitted the institution over marginalized peoples. The past, particularly the teachings from leaders, continues to influence current attitudes and practices within the church. This legacy presents a monumental challenge for future leaders who must confront and rectify historical injustices to foster a more equitable community.
Critical Voices and Acknowledgment
The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of critical voices within the church to address civil rights issues from a theological perspective. The panelists highlight the importance of those who have spoken against the church's racist teachings, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged. They also reflect on instances where members like Lowell Bennion faced repercussions for aligning with civil rights values, stressing the need for courage in advocacy. This acknowledgment of voices for change is crucial for evolving the church's stance on race and equality.
Future Aspirations
In conclusion, the panel expresses hope for the future transformation of church attitudes towards race and other marginalized groups. They urge listeners to remain engaged in these dialogues and advocate for change within the Latter-day Saint community. By addressing past injustices and openly discussing difficult topics, the church has the potential to foster a more inclusive environment for all members. The ongoing conversations aim to ensure that the church can evolve beyond its historical challenges and embrace a more equitable future.
Support for Change
The discussion wraps up with a reminder for community support of ongoing projects addressing racial equality within the church. The panel encourages listeners to consider donating to efforts that promote education and healing around racial issues. By investing in this work, individuals can contribute to meaningful change within the church and its communities. The hope is that collective actions will lead to a more just and inclusive church that reflects the true teachings of love and acceptance.
Join Nate Byrd, Summer-Rayn, Dr. Darron Smith, and John Dehlin as they tackle the uncomfortable truths of Mormon leaders supporting racial segregation. This episode dives into topics like the European origin theory of the lost ten tribes, the discovery of black ancestry in those who appear white, patriarchs’ treatment of the “Curse of Cain,” and a shocking statement by Mormon prophet Harold B. Lee about closing BYU rather than admitting black students. Featuring clips from the episodes with historian Matthew Harris.
We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!