Letter of First Presidency Clarifies Church's Position on the Negro
December
To General
Bishops
15,
1969
Church's deep and historic concern with man's free agency and our commitment to the sacred principles
of the Constitution.
It follows, therefore,
Authorities. Regional Representatives of
the Twelve, Stake Presidents, Mission Presidents,
and
that
we
believe the Negro, as
of society, and Church everywhere
well as those of other races, should have his full
constitutional privileges as a
member
we hope
Dear Brethren:
In view of confusion that has arisen,
at a
it
that
members
of the
will
do
their part as citizens to see that these rights
are held inviolate.
was decided
portunities
Each citizen must have equal opand protection under the law with refer-
meeting of the
First Presidency
of the
Twelve
to restate the position of the
with regard
to the
Negro both
in
and the Quorum Church society and in the
of the
ence to
civil rights.
However, matters of faith, conscience, and theology are not within the purview of the civil law. The first
Church.
First,
amendment
to the Constitution specifically provides
may we
say that
we know something
that "Congress shall
make no law
respecting an estab-
sufferings of those
who
are discriminated against in a
lishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof."
denial of their civil rights and Constitutional privileges.
Our
early history as a church
is
a tragic story
The
position of
The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-
and oppression. Our people repeatedly were denied the protection of the law. They were driven and plundered, robbed and murdered by mobs, who in many instances were aided and abetted by those sworn to uphold the law. We as a people have
of persecution
day Saints affecting those of the Negro race who choose to join the Church falls wholly within the
category of religion.
of civil rights.
It
has no bearing upon matters
it
In no case or degree does
deny
to
the Negro his full privileges as a citizen of the nation.
experienced the bitter
fruits
of civil
discrimination
and
mob
violence.
We
believe that the Constitution of the United States
was divinely inspired, that it was produced by "wise men" whom God raised up for this very purpose," and that the principles embodied in the Constitution are so fundamental and important that, if possible, they should be extended "for the rights and protection" of all
This position has no relevancy whatever to those who do not wish to join the Church. Those individuals, we suppose, do not believe in the divine origin and nature of the Church, nor that we have the priesthood of God. Therefore, if they feel we have no priesthood, they should have no concern with any aspect of our theology on priesthood so long as that theology does
not deny any
man
his constitutional privileges.
mankind.
first
A word
Joseph
of explanation concerning the position of the
In revelations received by the
Church
in
this
dispensation,
prophet of the Smith (1805it
Church:
The Church
its
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
owes
1844), the Lord
made
it
clear that
is
"not right
origin, its existence,
and
its
hope
that
for the future to
that any man should be in bondage one to another." These words were spoken prior to the Civil War. From these and other revelations have sprung the
the principle of continuous revelation.
all
"We
does
believe
that
veal,
God has revealed, all and we believe that He
He
will yet
now rereveal many
70
great
and important things pertaining
to the
Kingdom
Church
ciple of
is
established.
prin-
of God."
We recognize that those who do not accept the
modern
revelation
the beginning of this dispensation, Joseph Smith and all succeeding Presidents of the Church have taught that Negroes, while spirit children of a
From
may oppose
our point of
view.
We
repeat that such would not wish for
mem-
bership in the Church, and therefore the question of
priesthood should hold no interest for them. Without
prejudice they should grant us the privilege afforded
common
ents
Adam and
Father, and the progeny of our earthly parEve, were not yet to receive the priest-
hood, for reasons which we believe are God, but which he has not made fully
known known
to to
man.
living prophet, President David O. McKay, has "The seeming discrimination by the Church toward the Negro is not something which originated with man; but goes back into the beginning with God.
Our
said,
under the Constitution to exercise our chosen form of religion, just as we must grant all others a similar privilege. They must recognize that the question of bestowing or withholding priesthood in the Church is a matter of religion and not a matter of constitutional right.
"Revelation assures us that this plan antedates man's mortal existence, extending back to man's preexistent
state."
We extend the hand of friendship to men everywhere and the hand of fellowship to all who wish to join the Church and partake of the many rewarding opportunities to be found therein. We join with those throughout the world who pray
that
all
President
McKay
eternal plan, the
Negro
has also said, "Sometime in God's will be given the right to hold
of the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ
the priesthood."
Until
God
reveals his will in this matter, to
him
that
may in the due time of the Lord become available to men of faith everywhere. Until that time comes we must trust in God, in his wisdom, and in his
tender mercy.
whom we
same
will.
sustain as a prophet,
we
are
bound by
it is conferred on any man comes as a blessing from God, not of men. We feel nothing but love, compassion, and the deepest appreciation for the rich talents, endowments, and the earnest strivings of our Negro brothers and sisters. We are eager to share with men of all races the blessings of the gospel. We have no racially
Priesthood,
when
Meanwhile we must
strive
harder to emulate his Son,
the Lord Jesus Christ, whose
new commandment
it
was
that
we
should love one another.
for
In developing
that love
and concern
revelations yet to come, let us
to these religious differences,
one another, while awaiting hope that with respect
we may
gain reinforce-
ment
segregated congregations.
the leaders of an enterprise created by ourand operated only according to our own earthly wisdom, it would be a simple thing to act according to popular will. But we believe that this work is directed by God and that the conferring of the priesthood must await his revelation. To do otherwise would be to deny the very premise on which the
selves
understanding and appreciation for such differences. They challenge our common similarities,
for
Were we
as children of
one Father,
to enlarge the outreachings
of our divine souls.
Faithfully your brethren,
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
/SS/ /SS/
Hugh
B.
Brown
N. Eldon Tanner
Era, February
1970
71
