On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we celebrate a man who dreamed of a better nation—a dream of a nation that would “rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
The call for equality was also echoed by Church leaders throughout last year. Here are some of the powerful teachings they shared, listed in chronological order.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson
“The work of forming a unified society begins in the soul . . . We fulfill the invitation of the Savior to love one another, for love is of God. May we all strive to be our brother’s keeper, to foster civility, and to emulate Christlike love.”
Read more of Elder Stevenson’s remarks from the January 2020 NAACP Luncheon at Church News.
President Russell M. Nelson
“The Creator of us all calls on each of us to abandon attitudes of prejudice against any group of God’s children. Any of us who has prejudice toward another race needs to repent!”
Read President Nelson’s complete statement from June 2020 in this LDS Living article.
President Russell M. Nelson and Leaders of the NAACP
“Unitedly we declare that the answers to racism, prejudice, discrimination, and hate will not come from government or law enforcement alone. Solutions will come as we open our hearts to those whose lives are different than our own, as we work to build bonds of genuine friendship, and as we see each other as the brothers and sisters we are—for we are all children of a loving God.”
Read the full piece published in June 2020 at Medium.com or see nine quotes you don’t want to miss in this LDS Living article..
President Dallin H. Oaks
“Now, with prophetic clarification, let us all heed our prophet’s call to repent, to change, and to improve. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can unite and bring peace to people of all races and nationalities. We who believe in that gospel—whatever our origins—must unite in love of each other and of our Savior Jesus Christ.”
Read a transcript of President Oaks’s October 2020 Brigham Young University devotional at Newsroom.
Elder Quentin L. Cook
“The Savior’s ministry and message have consistently declared all races and colors are children of God. We are all brothers and sisters.”
Read Elder Cook’s full October 2020 general conference address, “Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity.”
President Dallin H. Oaks
“This country should be better in eliminating racism not only against Black Americans, who were most visible in the recent protests, but also against Latinos, Asians, and other groups. This nation’s history of racism is not a happy one, and we must do better.”
Read President Oaks’s full October 2020 general conference address “Love Your Enemies.”
President Russell M. Nelson
“Each of us has a divine potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, ‘black and white, bond and free, male and female.’”
Read President Nelson’s full October 2020 general conference address “Let God Prevail.”