Priesthood and Temple Ban Sources
A Century of Exclusion: Unmasking the LDS Priesthood and Temple Ban on Black Members
Joseph Smith Papers
Reference to Joseph Smith’s statements on slavery and the descendants of Ham:
Joseph Smith Papers
Journal of Mormon History
Analysis of Joseph Smith's scriptural works and identification of African peoples with the curse of Cain:
Journal of Mormon History
Lamanite Truth Blog
A Native American perspective on LDS teachings and their impact on Indigenous identity:
Lamanite Truth
Joseph Smith History
Quote on confining black people to their “own species” from Joseph Smith:
Joseph Smith Papers - History 1838-1856
Journal of Discourses
Brigham Young’s statements on racial curses and the priesthood ban:
Journal of Discourses Volume 7
Journal of Discourses Volume 10
Millennial Star
Brigham Young’s interview on slavery:
Millennial Star
Improvement Era
Joseph Fielding Smith’s statement on the priesthood ban and pre-mortal judgment:
Improvement Era, April 1924
The Way to Perfection by Joseph Fielding Smith
Extensive writings justifying the priesthood ban on black members, published by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1931.
Currently available through LDS libraries and private archives.
Mark E. Petersen’s Speech at BYU
Statements on interracial marriage and eternal servitude:
Race Problems—As They Affect the Church
Deseret News
Publication history and policy on civil rights in the LDS church archives. Contact the Deseret News for reprints.
NAACP Engagements with the LDS Church
Documentation of efforts by the NAACP to address LDS racial policies:
- Gregory A. Prince, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism
- Glen W. Davidson, Mormon Missionaries and the Race Question
IRS Policies on Racial Discrimination
Impact on tax-exempt status for racially discriminatory organizations:
New York Times
Bob Jones University Supreme Court Case
Salt Lake Tribune
Accounts of protests and actions against LDS racial policies between 1965 and 1978.
Accessible via the Salt Lake Tribune archives.
Ezra Taft Benson's Civil Rights Commentary
Statements linking the civil rights movement to communism:
Conference Report, 1967
UTLM - Utah Lighthouse Ministry
Detailed reports on individuals challenging LDS racial doctrines:
Curse of Cain