First Presidency Statement (1970)

In 1970, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, issued a First Presidency statement reaffirming that black members were not to receive the priesthood. The statement attributed the reasons to God’s undisclosed purposes, describing them as “known to God” but not fully revealed to man.

Coming during the long aftershocks of the civil-rights era, the statement carried more than theological weight. It reinforced a public and private boundary line—felt in congregational life, family hopes, and the ordinary desire to serve—that left faithful black members standing at the margins.

Wounds, Witness, and Quiet Courage

The enduring sorrow was not abstract. It was borne by real people: black believers who prayed, served, and sought the Lord while being told that certain callings and ordinances were not for them. Their perseverance—often without public recognition—shows a costly kind of faith, the kind that keeps trusting God while lamenting what is wrong.

Others showed moral courage by refusing to confuse tradition with righteousness, grieving the injustice, and calling for love that does not flinch from truth. This was not a moment for easy slogans, but for patient advocacy, honest listening, and the willingness to carry another’s burden.

Biblical Clarity on Partiality and Repentance

Scripture does not allow believers to hide behind religious language when it shelters inequality. “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right” (Acts 10:34–35). And, “My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism” (James 2:1).

This history presses the conscience: where prejudice is baptized as piety, repentance must be equally public and real. God’s people are called to justice with humility—steadfast love joined to courageous truth—trusting that Christ heals what sin divides, and that the church must never ask the wounded to carry the weight of others’ comfort.