Church History Matters 181 - Official Declaration 2 CFM - Race Controversies in the Church - E50B December 8-14
Dec 3, 2025
Dive into the complex history surrounding Official Declaration 2 and its impact on race within the church. The hosts recall personal memories from 1978 and explore the early church's inclusion of Black members. They discuss Brigham Young's changing views on race, fears of interracial marriage, and the 1852 public ban announcement. The conversation touches on prophetic fallibility, the church's disavowal of past theories, and the implications of the 1978 revelation. It wraps up with a call to combat prejudice and promote inclusion among all members.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1978 Revelation's Historic Impact
- Official Declaration 2 ended a long-standing restriction and extended priesthood and temple blessings based on worthiness, not race.
- Many members remember exactly where they were when the 1978 revelation was announced, showing its seismic impact.
Founding Era Was Inclusive
- Joseph Smith's earliest restoration era showed no priesthood or temple ban for people of African descent.
- Early ordinations and temple participation (e.g., Elijah Abel) demonstrate a more inclusive founding practice.
Origins Tied To Cultural Pressures
- Brigham Young's 1852 articulation of a ban grew from cultural fears about interracial marriage and other contested rationales.
- The ban's early explanations varied and were not rooted in new revealed scripture.
