Last night the Church of Jesus Christ held a 40th anniversary of its doctrinal and policy change to allow those of African Descent to receive Priesthood and Saving ordinances in the Temple. As we all know the Church has been hush hush forever about this change and it context in our past. And then in 2013 when the Race and Priesthood Essay came out For the first time the Church felt comfortable speaking out and disavowing the theories behind those restrictions. But what was left ambiguous was the Ban itself. It seemed the Church preferred to allow people to make up their own minds. For those who needed the ban to be from God, they could read that into it. For those who needed the ban to be a Racist man made thing, they could have their cake and eat it too. Until that was last night…. When Elder Oaks said the following
“As part of my prayerful study, I learned that in general, the Lord rarely gives reasons for the Commandments and directions he gives to his servants” – Elder Oaks June 1st 2018
Hereby rendering ineffective the ambiguity of the Essay. Elder Oaks has taught us on several occasions to “Be One” and this celebration was no different. And yet if to “Be One” means I have to allow this unhealthy institution to shield itself from accountability and allow it to portray God as a racist SOB who he himself on his throne reached out to his servants and implemented the Priesthood and Temple ban without allowing any safe space left to believe that this Church’s leaders simply screwed up and have less of a direct connection than they want others to believe…. No thanks.
And PS You didn’t cry.
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This was the most honest broadcast I’ve heard regarding the race issue and the church. I hate it! I hate the lies and the false cover ups. The blank faces.
I’m not sure if there is much hope, not sure I will stay. Not sure why I even want to go back.
It feel hopeless. Thank you for your boldness.