Quote:
Originally Posted by Solon
So, Mormons were - according to this small survey - middle-of-the-pack when it came to being racist believers. I fully recognize that it takes time for people to abandon beliefs, but my gripe isn't with the people; it's with the leaders, especially those who continue to propagate this material today.
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It is truly sad that The Church, professing direct communication with God via a prophet, was not leading the way in pressing for equal rights for all of God's children here upon the earth. As I've said before, this is a stain upon the history of The Church and I'm sure serves as a significant stumbling block for many.
My wish is that The Church take a more proactive role in correcting any misunderstandings that linger from that era, especially concerning the folklore surrounding the issue (for example, the fence-sitter in the pre-existence issue). Frankly, I'd like to see some kind of statement of regret, an apology for the policy and for being a follower, not a leader in the civil rights movement. But I suppose that would open a whole can of worms and raise questions the leadership would rather not address, not because they fear the answers, but because they fear the impact the answers might have on much of the membership of The Church. I think the strategy is to let the folklore pass along with my parents' generation. I think they are missing a wonderful opportunity.