Free Republic

During the 176th General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Gordon B. Hinckley did not speak or conduct in the Saturday morning or afternoon sessions. In the general priesthood session held that same evening, however, he spoke emphatically, urging priesthood holders to do everything in their power to wipe out racism in the LDS Church. "When a man grows old he develops a softer touch, a kindlier manner. I have thought of this much of late. . . . "Racial strife still lifts its ugly head. I am advised that even right here among us...

The first time she was ever called the most offensive of racial slurs, Tamu Smith was in the Salt Lake LDS temple. An elderly man spied Smith, a new bride, and asked aloud what a [racial epithet] was doing there. Instead of reprimanding him, temple workers defended him, saying he didn't know better. Smith didn't leave the LDS Church over such hurtful language then, and she remains faithful, but frustrated, nearly 15 years later. She will join other Mormons this week to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the June 8, 1978, revelation that opened the church's priesthood to "all worthy...

Blacks in the ScripturesClick to listen to Audios Since the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, there have been numerous works attempting to answer the many questions regarding Blacks in the eyes of God. This is the first of such projects in the history of the LDS Church to be based primarily upon the scriptures. Darius Gray and Marvin Perkins are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have utilized the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price...