Official Declaration 2 Race & Priesthood I Come Follow Church History I Lynne Hilton Wilson

Scripture Central

Religion & Spirituality

4.8 • 852 Ratings

🗓️ 1 December 2025

⏱️ 45 minutes

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Summary

In this thought-provoking episode, host Lynne Hilton Wilson sits down with historian Janiece Johnson for a candid and insightful exploration of Race and the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they trace the historical context leading up to the 1978 revelation—Official Declaration 2—that extended priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy members worldwide. Lynne and Janiece discuss the complex historical factors, the lived experiences of Black Latter-day Saints, and the spiritual significance of the revelation. They highlight how Church leaders sought divine guidance and how this landmark moment continues to shape the global Church today. Whether you’re a student of Church history or simply seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a compassionate, clear, and faithful look at one of the most pivotal chapters in modern Latter-day Saint history.

Transcript

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0:00.0	All of us are alike unto God.
0:03.5	And that is the scriptural standard.
0:05.5	God authors diversity, not racism.
0:09.5	The priesthood and temple ban was a policy and a practice.
0:14.5	How did it happen? Why did it happen?
0:17.0	And where are we going from here?
0:19.0	Why did it take till 1978? Yes, Joseph did ordain African Americans to the priesthood.
0:26.6	They walked until their feet were bloody, and then their feet were miraculously healed.
0:31.6	Brigham Young's rationale is not something that is specifically,
0:35.6	it doesn't come from restoration scripture,
0:38.5	it is this idea of the curse of King.
0:41.3	His obituary offers the evidence
0:44.7	of that he had been ordained.
0:48.2	She writes a letter to John Taylor,
0:50.3	is there no blessing for me?
0:52.7	During her lifetime, she won't receive those temple blessings.
0:56.0	But once he becomes prophet, he realizes,
0:59.0	if anything's ever going to change, I have to be the one to initiate this.
1:04.0	I had never experienced anything of such a spiritual magnitude and power.
1:10.0	He and another sister from his same ward
1:13.6	were the first two missionaries of African descent.
1:16.6	And President Oakes has led with us to root out racism.
	...

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