How Religious Institutions Change Doctrine

Explore the complex process by which religious organizations alter their core beliefs and practices, using a pivotal moment in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a case study.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jul 27, 2026

Branched from The 1978 Revelation on Priesthood: What Changed and Why It Mattered

Quick take

Religious doctrines, though often seen as static, can evolve significantly over time.
Changes are driven by internal questioning, external societal pressures, and theological re-evaluation.
For some faiths, like the LDS Church, major doctrinal shifts occur through new revelation to leadership.
These changes impact both the institution's teachings and its members' understanding of their faith.

A change in religious doctrine refers to a formal alteration or reinterpretation of an institution's official teachings, core beliefs, or established practices. It's a significant shift from a previously held understanding, often declared by the highest religious authorities and intended to guide the faith of its adherents.

The Nature of Doctrine and Its Evolution

While many view religious doctrine as immutable, it often develops and is refined over centuries. Doctrines can arise from sacred texts, interpretations by influential leaders, historical traditions, or even cultural assimilation. Over time, new understandings, ethical considerations, or societal shifts can prompt institutions to revisit and potentially revise these established positions.

Catalysts and Mechanisms for Change: The LDS Priesthood Revelation

Changes in doctrine are rarely spontaneous; they typically emerge from a confluence of factors. For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a significant doctrinal shift occurred in 1978 concerning priesthood ordination and temple blessings. Prior to this, a long-standing policy restricted these blessings to men of European descent, a practice that developed in the 19th century without clear scriptural mandate.

By the mid-20th century, internal questioning grew among members and leaders, particularly as the church expanded globally into diverse populations. Externally, the Civil Rights Movement and broader calls for equality put pressure on the church's policy. Theologically, leaders wrestled with the spiritual implications and sought divine guidance through prayer and study.

The mechanism for change in the LDS Church is often through what they term "revelation" to the President of the Church, who is regarded as a prophet. In June 1978, President Spencer W. Kimball announced Official Declaration 2, stating that all worthy male members of the Church, regardless of race or color, could be ordained to the priesthood and receive temple blessings. This was presented as a direct revelation from God, received after much supplication and fasting by the church's highest leadership council. Once declared, it was sustained by a general vote of the church members, making it official doctrine and practice.

Why Doctrinal Change Matters

Doctrinal changes are significant because they reflect a religion's capacity to adapt, respond to evolving moral understanding, and address internal inconsistencies or external pressures. They demonstrate how religious authority interprets and reinterprets foundational texts and past teachings to maintain relevance and integrity in a changing world. For members, such changes can be profound, requiring a re-evaluation of long-held beliefs and practices, but also offering a path forward that aligns faith with contemporary ethical considerations and a broader understanding of divine will.

Key Aspects of the 1978 LDS Revelation

**Old Policy:** Priesthood ordination and temple blessings restricted to men of European descent.
**Catalysts:** Internal questioning, global expansion, Civil Rights Movement, theological re-evaluation.
**Mechanism:** Official Declaration 2, announced by President Spencer W. Kimball as a divine revelation.
**Result:** All worthy male members, regardless of race, became eligible for priesthood and temple blessings.

Was the 1978 revelation the first time the LDS Church changed doctrine?

No, the LDS Church has a history of doctrinal development and changes, often through continued revelation. Examples include shifts in temple practices, understanding of the Godhead, and specific policies like polygamy, which was officially discontinued in 1890 through another revelation.

How do other religions typically change doctrine?

Mechanisms vary widely. Some religions rely on councils of theologians or bishops (like the Catholic Church's ecumenical councils), while others might emphasize scholarly reinterpretation of scriptures, the consensus of religious scholars, or evolving traditions within a denomination. Some Protestant faiths may emphasize individual conscience and scriptural interpretation over centralized doctrinal shifts.

What was the immediate impact of the 1978 revelation?

The immediate impact was a sweeping change in practice, allowing Black members to fully participate in all aspects of church life, including leadership roles and temple ordinances. It also significantly improved the church's public image and facilitated its growth in regions with diverse populations, particularly in Africa and Latin America.

How do members generally react to significant doctrinal changes?

Reactions can be varied. Some members embrace changes as evidence of ongoing divine guidance and adaptation. Others may struggle with reconciling new doctrines with past teachings or personal understanding, sometimes leading to questioning or even leaving the faith. However, for many, the 1978 revelation was widely welcomed as a righteous and long-awaited correction.

Sources

Bush, L. E. (2012). The Priesthood Restriction. In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 2nd ed. Brigham Young University Press.
Mauss, A. L. (1994). The Angel and the Beehive: The Mormon Struggle with Assimilation. University of Illinois Press.
Prince, G. (1995). David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. University of Utah Press.