The LDS Priesthood Ban and the 1978 Revelation: History, Repentance, and Progress

What the Priesthood Ban Was

In 1852, Brigham Young publicly announced that Black men could not be ordained to the priesthood — a position that became church policy and lasted for 126 years. Black women were not eligible for temple ordinances (the sealing of families for eternity), and Black members generally could not fully participate in the church's central spiritual practices. The priesthood is central to Latter-day Saint theology and practice. Without it, Black members were relegated to a lesser status within the church, unable to perform baptisms for the dead, unable to participate in temple worship, and unable to preside over families in the way church doctrine prescribed. The impact was profound: Black converts joined a church that welcomed them in theory but restricted them fundamentally in practice. For generations, Black Latter-day Saints navigated this contradiction with faith, pain, and dignity.

Origins of the Restriction

The exact origin of the priesthood ban is historically unclear. Brigham Young announced it publicly in 1852, but the reasons he gave were grounded in folk theology and racism common to the 19th century — ideas about curse and lineage that modern scholarship has thoroughly discredited. Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, had ordained at least one Black man to the priesthood (Elijah Abel), suggesting the restriction did not originate with him. The church has not provided a definitive historical account of how the ban began, only that it was in place by Young's time. What is clear is that the ban was a policy reflecting 19th-century racism, not a doctrinal principle revealed by God. The confusion on this point — whether the ban was divine will or human prejudice — lasted for 126 years, causing immeasurable spiritual harm.

The 1978 Revelation

On June 8, 1978, church president Spencer W. Kimball announced that he had received a revelation that the priesthood could now be extended to all worthy members, regardless of race. The revelation was sustained by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. According to accounts, Kimball had been praying and seeking revelation for years on this issue, and the apostles reported feeling a powerful confirmation of the Spirit when the change was announced. The Official Declaration 2, appended to the Doctrine and Covenants, records this revelation. It was a historic moment for the church — the restriction that had defined Black membership for over a century was lifted in an instant. Black men could now be ordained; Black women could now participate in temple ordinances; Black families could now have their relationships sealed for eternity according to church doctrine. The announcement was received with joy by many Black Latter-day Saints and as a moment of prophetic guidance by the church leadership.

The Church's Own Acknowledgment

In 2013, the church published the Gospel Topics Essay "Race and the Priesthood," which represents the church's most direct and honest acknowledgment of this period. The essay states clearly that the priesthood ban "was not a revelation" but was instead "a policy that reflected the understanding of Black people common to some people in the mid-1800s." It expresses regret and notes that the church leaders in that era "were not free from the cultural attitudes with which they had been raised." The essay acknowledges that the ban caused "tremendous pain and a sense of exclusion in the hearts of Black Latter-day Saints" and affirms the church's commitment to addressing racism within its own ranks. This official acknowledgment was significant: for the first time, the church stated clearly and publicly that the ban was wrong, that it reflected racism, and that it should never have been in place.

Black Latter-day Saints Today

Since 1978, Black Latter-day Saints have served in every capacity in the church. They have served as general authorities (the highest leadership), as mission presidents, as bishops, as temple workers, and in all positions open to church members. Notable Black Latter-day Saint leaders include Elder Joseph W. Sitati, Elder Adeyinka Ojediran, and Elder Peter M. Johnson, all of whom have served in the Quorum of the Seventy. The presence of Black leaders in the church's highest councils demonstrates that the change in 1978 was real and not merely symbolic. However, Black Latter-day Saints continue to work for greater racial equity within the church and continue to heal from the historical trauma caused by the ban. Many have also reported ongoing experiences of racism and microaggressions within predominantly white wards and church spaces. The journey from 1978 to today has been one of progress, but much work remains to build a truly inclusive church community.