Black people were always allowed to join the Mormon Church, but for a long time Black men were not allowed to hold the priesthood or enter some temple ceremonies. The major policy change happened in 1978 , when church leaders announced that worthy Black male members could receive the priesthood.

What changed in 1978

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ended its priesthood restriction in June 1978.
  • After that change, Black members could participate fully in priesthood ordination and temple-related rites, subject to the church’s rules for all members.

Important distinction

A lot of people say Black people “weren’t allowed to join,” but that is not quite accurate. The better summary is that Black people could join and be baptized, while the priesthood and some temple access were restricted until 1978.

One-line answer

If you mean membership , Black people were allowed to join from the church’s early years; if you mean priesthood and temple access , the restriction was lifted in 1978.

Background note

Modern church statements have acknowledged the ban as a racist practice tied to its historical era, and the church has since disavowed past racist explanations.