In June 1978, the priesthood was extended to all worthy males of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bruce R. McConkie, after the revelation was receieved by the Brethern, was quoted as saying “Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or George Q. Cannon or whoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world. … It is a new day and a new arrangement, and the Lord has now given the revelation that sheds light out into the world on this subject.” This past week, however, a popular BYU professor was quoted in the Washington Post furthering his personal opinion regarding the origins of the priesthood ban as doctrine. This professor claimed that that blacks were unprepared for the priesthood, much like a young child is not ready to take their parents’ car. He also referenced the Book of Abraham’s teachings on race and other long repudiated theories regarding the priesthood ban. As followers of Jesus Christ, however, we cannot continue the teaching of folk doctrine to continue. The brethren have taught that any form of racism is not becoming of a Saint of God. We have not received revelation regarding the specific reason for the priesthood ban and until such a revelation is received, we have no right to speculate.
JACOB NEWMAN
Salt Lake City
