Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality w/ Dr. Matt Harris.

17: The Lasting Legacy of the LDS Priesthood Ban

Today we are discussing pivotal moments, from the Church’s “Race and the Priesthood” essay to public statements on racism, and the ongoing struggle for meaningful engagement on these issues. Highlights include racial inequities, discussions on the lack of diverse representation in leadership, and the emotional impact of past and present racism on Black members. We are also covering controversial events like the fake apology prank, the “Be One” celebration, and Elder Oaks’ and President Nelson’s statements on race. Conversations extend to BYU’s Race Equity and Belonging Report, Brad Wilcox’s remarks, and efforts to make the Church and its institutions more inclusive. Join us as we examine how the Church addresses racism, the call for accountability, and the path forward for healing and equity. Show Notes [https://www.mormonstories.org/the-lasting-legacy-of-priesthood-ban/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUYhokYPlvc] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

16: Mormon Prophets' Push to Erase Racist Past | Ep. 1963

Join us as Matthew Harris returns to discuss Gordon B. Hinckley's efforts to address lingering racism in the church, the push to remove Bruce R. McConkie's Mormon Doctrine from shelves, and members' calls for an apology for the church's past racism. We also explore Elder Holland's attempts to rebrand these doctrines as "folklore," the continuation of racist teachings by BYU professors like Randy Bott, and the creation of the Gospel Topics Essays. Show Notes [https://www.mormonstories.org/mormon-prophets-push-to-erase-racist-past/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEB7Mib5gQU] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

15: Mormon Church Targets Liberal BYU Professors

Join us today as we meet again with historian Matt Harris to discuss his new book “Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality.” Matt Harris talks about the relationship between the Church and the John Birch Society and how the church changed its mind on supporting the Martin Luther King holiday. Additionally, Harris discusses how the harmful teachings of Bruce R. McConkie’s book “Mormon Doctrine” lived on even after his death. Professors Eugene England and Steven Epperson were pushed out of BYU for their more liberal views. How the Strengthening the Church Members Committee keeps these members in check. Show Notes [https://www.mormonstories.org/church-targets-liberal-professors/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1SrTZWY_CQ] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

14: The End of the Priesthood and Temple Ban Came with a Catch

The priesthood and temple ban began when Brigham Young learned that Black Saints were marrying white women, fearing interracial marriage. When the ban was finally lifted it was only with the caveat that they continued to warn the members against interracial marriage. Church members have received mixed messages since then, with warnings against interracial marriage still found on the Church's website and in manuals. How should members make sense of these conflicting messages? Today, we're joined by Matt Harris and Summur-Rayn to discuss this topic. Show Notes [https://www.mormonstories.org/the-end-of-the-ban-came-with-a-catch/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGpO8yNZmWY] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]

13: Mormon Prophet Slams Apostles for Fabricating Miracle Story

In this episode, we join Matt Harris to discuss the aftermath of lifting the priesthood and temple ban in the LDS Church. We explore how Bruce R. McConkie's account of the revelation was embellished and the damage control efforts by top church leaders. We also examine President Kimball's controversial remarks about Native Americans and his later regret over those comments. This discussion focuses on chapter eight of Matt Harris’ book, "Second Class Saints." Show Notes [https://www.mormonstories.org/second-class-saints/prophet-slams-apostles-for-fabricating-story/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdg8tk8KPqU] Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: * One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m] * Support us on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mormonstories] * Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories] Our Platforms: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/mormonstories?sub_confirmation=1] * Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772] Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: * Insta: @mormstories [https://www.instagram.com/mormstories] * TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast] * Join the Discord [https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF]