Mormons grapple with race 40 years after ending black ban

This June 5, 2013, photo shows Darius Gray, co-founder a support organization founded in 1971 for black Mormons called the Genesis Group, in Midvale, Utah. The Mormon church's celebration on Friday, night of the 40th anniversary of its reversal of a ban on blacks in the lay priesthood is rekindling discussions about one of the faith's most sensitive topics.

This June 5, 2013, photo shows Darius Gray, co-founder a support organization founded in 1971 for black Mormons called the Genesis Group, in Midvale, Utah. The Mormon church's celebration on Friday, night of the 40th anniversary of its reversal of a ban on blacks in the lay priesthood is rekindling discussions about one of the faith's most sensitive topics.   | Photo Credit: AP

Despite efforts to improve race relations, scholars and some black Mormons say discriminatory beliefs linger in some congregations from a ban that was rooted in a belief that black skin was a curse.

The Mormon church is celebrating the 40th anniversary of reversing its ban on black people in the lay priesthood and rekindling debate about one of the faith’s most sensitive topics.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is planning an event on Friday in Salt Lake City to remember the 1978 end of a ban barring black members from going on missions, getting married in temples and serving as local church leaders.

The number of black Mormons has grown but still only accounts for an estimated 6 % of 16 million worldwide members. Not one serves in the highest levels of global leadership.

Despite efforts to improve race relations, scholars and some black Mormons say discriminatory beliefs linger in some congregations from a ban that was rooted in a belief that black skin was a curse.