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Sam Penrod reportingThis weekend marks a big moment in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been 30 years since the Church lifted its ban against blacks holding the priesthood.
The announcement came on the morning of June 9, 1978. But even after 30 years, it is still regarded as a major event in the history of the Church.
"All worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color," Church officials announced in 1978.
Alan Cherry had been in the LDS faith for nearly 10 years before he was allowed to hold the priesthood and believes it was the catalyst to worldwide church growth.
"To see black members of the Church and to have many African-Americans come into the Church," Cherry explained. "But as far as I've experienced, my basic relations with other members of the Church have not changed, which is the good thing."
Others who joined the faith after 1978 believe in looking ahead. "It's been good for my family, good for me; nothing negative about it. You know, I hear a lot about the priesthood and why it was banned, but I have a tendency to look forward. That's what I tend to do," said Church member Winston Wilkinson.
Church leaders point to missionary efforts in West Africa since 1978, which has resulted in dramatic growth, including new temples built in both Ghana and Nigeria.
"In West Africa, the first baptisms took place just five months after the revelation. Nineteen people were baptized, and today some 30 years later, there are about 146,000 members of the Church from those 19," said Elder Shelton F. Child, of the Church's Quorum of Seventy.
The Church plans a special program this Sunday night in the Tabernacle on Temple Square to commemorate this 30th anniversary, and we'll have coverage on that Sunday night on Eyewitness News at 10.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com