Rookie Mormon

Why were blacks not permitted to have the priesthood in the LDS church?

People of color were not permitted to hold the priesthood in the LDS church until 1978. Nowadays, they can hold any priesthood office in the church. That's quite a difference! Why the change?

The history of the LDS church leading up to 1978 gives us a good view on the issue. Some feel that the situation was similar to Christ's temporary denial of baptism to the Gentiles in New Testament times (Acts 10:15-28).

If you're interested in the history of blacks and the LDS priesthood, you should check out the great timeline available at

If you are wondering why God would "just decide one day" that people of color could hold the priesthood, or if you wonder if the LDS church was full of racists, I recommend reading up on the history at the same website.

The website also has a well-researched article on Race and the Priesthood with the following information:
