The History of the Priesthood and Temple Ban in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

For over a century, Black members were excluded from priesthood ordination and temple ordinances in the LDS Church. This explainer outlines the history and eventual reversal of that policy.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jul 20, 2026

Branched from The Journey of Black Latter-day Saints: Experiences Before and After the 1978 Priesthood Reversal

Quick take

From the mid-19th century until 1978, Black men were excluded from ordination to the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The ban also prevented all Black members from participating in sacred temple ordinances, such as endowments and sealings.
The origins of the ban are complex, with no clear scriptural basis, evolving through policy and cultural practice over time.
The ban was officially reversed in 1978 through a revelation known as Official Declaration 2, opening full participation to all worthy members.

The priesthood and temple ban was a century-long policy within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that restricted men of Black African descent from being ordained to the priesthood. This policy also prohibited all Black members, regardless of gender, from entering temples to receive sacred ordinances like endowments and sealings, which are considered essential for eternal progression in LDS theology.

How the Ban Developed

The policy emerged in the mid-19th century during the leadership of Brigham Young, the second president of the Church. While some Black men had been ordained to the priesthood in the Church's earliest days, this practice ceased, and the restriction became institutionalized. Its origins were not rooted in early foundational scripture but developed as a policy influenced by prevailing racial prejudices of the time. Over the decades, various theories were offered to rationalize the ban, often drawing on folk beliefs and interpretations of biblical stories like the “curse of Cain” or ideas about spiritual neutrality in a pre-mortal existence. These explanations, however, were not consistent doctrines and lacked clear scriptural support.

The Scope of Exclusion

For Black members, the ban meant significant limitations on their participation and spiritual progression within the Church. Priesthood ordination is fundamental in the LDS Church, empowering men to lead congregations, perform baptisms, administer blessings, and officiate in other sacred ordinances. Denying this to Black men meant they could not hold leadership positions or fully exercise spiritual authority within their families and communities. Beyond the priesthood, the temple ban was equally impactful. Temple ordinances are central to the faith, offering covenants and blessings believed to be necessary for exaltation and eternal family relationships. Exclusion from the temple meant Black members could not participate in these essential rituals, including being sealed as eternal families, which created a profound sense of spiritual inequality and separation.

This policy created deep pain and spiritual challenges for Black members, who remained faithful despite these significant barriers. It also presented a moral and theological dilemma for the Church as it expanded globally, particularly into regions with large Black populations. The ban highlighted the tension between deeply held beliefs in equality before God and a long-standing institutional policy that contradicted those ideals. The eventual reversal in 1978, through a revelation to then-President Spencer W. Kimball, marked a pivotal moment, affirming the Church's teaching that salvation is available to all worthy individuals, regardless of race, and opening the doors to full participation for all members.

The Church's Current Stance

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has disavowed all past theories and explanations used to justify the priesthood and temple ban, stating they are not approved doctrine.
The Church teaches that all people are alike unto God and condemns all forms of racism, past and present.
The 1978 revelation (Official Declaration 2) is considered a significant moment of divine guidance and progression, enabling the Church to extend the blessings of the priesthood and temple to all worthy members.

Was the priesthood and temple ban based on scripture?

No, the Church has clarified that the ban was a policy, not a doctrine based on scripture. Explanations for the ban often drew from folk beliefs and interpretations that are now disavowed.

When was the ban officially lifted?

The ban was officially lifted on June 8, 1978, through a revelation to then-Church President Spencer W. Kimball, announced as Official Declaration 2.

What impact did the ban have on Black members?

The ban created significant spiritual and social challenges, denying Black men the opportunity to hold the priesthood and excluding all Black members from essential temple ordinances, which are central to the faith's eternal promises.

Did any Black members hold the priesthood before the ban?

Yes, a few Black men were ordained to the priesthood in the very early days of the Church, before the policy of restriction became institutionalized.

What is Official Declaration 2?

Official Declaration 2 is a statement from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announcing the revelation that extended the priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members, regardless of race or color.

Sources

Gospel Topics Essay: Race and the Priesthood (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Official Declaration 2 (Doctrine and Covenants, ChurchofJesusChrist.org)