This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In response to Raymond Brown's letter "Black Mormons" (June 5), restating Ellen Callis' "spiritual inferiority" (Forum, June 4) as "spiritual immaturity," further reveals the doctrinal racism of the LDS Church under the leadership of Brigham Young.
This "immaturity" is the same tired excuse that has been given by countless LDS Seminary instructors to justify Young's racist policies.
In an 1852 speech before the Utah Legislature, Young declared that the African race was "the seed of Cain," that slavery was ordained by God, that the white race should have the seed of Cain as servants, and that the church would be led into destruction if it intermingled with blacks. This is not Brigham Young saying "blacks aren't ready for the priesthood," but that it is completely unjustified for them to have it. Compare this to Joseph Smith's advocacy of abolition and his ordination of two black men to higher priesthood offices.
I have to ask which was the prophecy.
Rob Sykes
Salt Lake City