A Reflection from an African Convert on Official Declaration 2

Authors

Khumbulani D. Mdletshe

Keywords

Mormon studies, Official Declaration 2, race

Abstract

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will commemorate in June 2018 the fortieth anniversary of the coming forth of Official Declaration 2. This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the priesthood ban and the 1978 revelation. The revelation came through the prophet of the Lord, Spencer W. Kimball, and has had critics and supporters. As a convert to the Church and especially as a black African convert, I have experienced a long journey but a worthwhile one. This essay will focus on this personal journey and how I came to understand the background history of the ban and the impact of this revelation for the Church, especially for those of African descent, and how the revelation has increased my belief in modern-day prophets.

Recommended Citation

Mdletshe, Khumbulani D. (2016) "A Reflection from an African Convert on Official Declaration 2," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 55: Iss. 4, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol55/iss4/3