In a prior post we examined the exchange between mormon sociologist Lowry Nelson and the First Presidency on the issue of racism and the ban on blacks receiving the priesthood. In that instance a member believed that what the church was teaching and the policy it produced was racist and wrong and he wrote a letter to try to correct the problem. History has sided with Mr. Nelson.

While that exchange makes for compelling reading, the usual state of things is for the leaders of the church to correct the missteps of those over whom they claim authority. That has long been the calling and duty of prophets – ancient and modern. While scriptures give you an inside view of some of these exchanges, such as Abinadi confronting King Noah, it is rare that you get a glimpse into a modern prophet correcting the wayward actions of modern leaders in the secular realm. There is one notable example in the modern era that is worth reviewing.

A letter written by Mormon Apostle Delbert Stapley to Michigan Governor George Romney in early 1964 admonished the governor for his mistaken beliefs, for supporting policies which went against God’s decrees and for working towards ends that could only bring greater problems to society. Let’s look closer at the context and content of that letter to gain better insight into how this exchange opens a view into the mind of LDS leaders in the 1960’s.

Background

In 1964 George Romney was the Governor of Michigan and one of the most visible faces of Mormonism in American politics. His success as a Republican candidate ended a 14 year Democratic hold on the governorship in the state and he was immediately thought to be a promising candidate for the US Presidency.

Although raised with the Mormon teachings that blacks had been less valiant in the pre-mortal life and were given a lesser station in this life as a result, Romney had experienced an awakening of the humanity and potential of black men and women. He recalled “It was only after I got to Detroit that I got to know Negroes and began to be able to evaluate them and I began to recognize that some Negroes are better and more capable than lots of whites.” Despite the teachings of the Mormon church, Romney made racial equality a top issue in his political life.

One of his key priorities as Governor was to address racial discrimination. He had been vocal about his position during the campaign and as Governor began fulfilling those promises. Just a few days after taking office he delivered his first State of the State address and declared that “Michigan’s most urgent human rights problem is racial discrimination—in housing, public accommodations, education, administration of justice, and employment.” He appointed an African American as the Vice-Chairman of the state’s Republican Party (the highest position in either party attained by a black person at that time) and would go on to help create the state’s first civil rights commission and appoint a black man as a special adviser on minority relations. He supported Martin Luther King Jr.’s June 1963 march on Detroit and shortly thereafter he himself marched along side black civil rights leaders protesting housing discrimination. .

LDS leaders take notice

True to form, Romney was vocal in his support of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964. It was after hearing Romney speak on this issue that Church leaders finally attempted to rein in George who was undeniably the most powerful Mormon in US politics. This came in the form of a letter sent by LDS Apostle Delbert Stapley on 23 January 1964. In his letter, Apostle Stapley reminds Romney of several aspects of LDS theology and doctrine regarding “the negro.” He directs Romney to certain key passages of Church history and provides a prophetic warning which is hard to ignore. This post will closely examine the substance of that letter.

The letter

The letter can be read in it’s original form here. It is not too lengthy and I encourage you to read it prior to the following analysis in order to form your own opinions on the content.

Introduction

Stapley opens his letter with warm greeting:

Dear George, It was a real pleasure to greet and have a moment to visit with you and Lenore here this past week. It is wonderful to see how enthusiastically you are received by the good people of Utah. After listening to your talk on Civil Rights, I am very much concerned. Several others have expressed the same concern to me. It does not altogether harmonize with my own understandings regarding this subject; therefore, I thought to drop you a note — not in my official Church position, but as a personal friend. Only President McKay can speak for the Church.

Remember that Romney has been outspoken on the idea that black men and women should be treated with the same dignity as white and that the evils of segregation and discrimination should be expunged from both the laws of the land and the hearts of men. Stapley acknowledges that such things are not harmonious with his own understanding of human affairs.

It is no novelty that Stapley indicates that he is only speaking as a friend and not in an official capacity. I have yet to come across any letter from any Apostle written to a private individual stating that he is writing in his official capacity as an Apostle. While he is only writing “as a personal friend” the letter comes on official letterhead under the heading of the Council of the Twelve. Apostles do not start preaching false doctrine when they say “I’m just talking as a friend.”Any believing Mormon receiving such a letter would consider it to have more weight than a note from any other personal friend. My suspicion is that such a disclaimer provides a bit of plausible deniability to the leaders, but Mormons are regularly warned against ignoring the instruction of the brethren and no caveats are provided for when they are speaking “just as friends.”

Joseph Smith’s Position

Stapley continues:

I felt, George, your views were most liberal on this vital problem in the light of the revelations, but nevertheless, I cannot deny you the right of your position if it represents your true belief and feelings, I would like to suggest you read two items on this subject, both by the Prophet Joseph Smith, Turn to page 269 of Teachings Of The Prophet Joseph Smith by Joseph Fielding Smith, and read beginning the middle of the page under the caption, “The Status of the Negro,” giving particular attention to the closing sentence on page 270.

Stapley was apparently fond of sending people on a scripture chase. Let’s take a look at what the Apostle is referring to.

The Status of the Negro “At five went to Mr. Sollars’ with Elders Hyde and Richards. Elder Hyde inquired the situation of the negro. I replied, they came into the world slaves mentally and physically. Change their situation with the whites, and they would be like them. They have souls, and are subjects of salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated negro, who rides in his carriage, and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own mind to his exalted state of respectability. The slaves in Washington are more refined than many in high places, and the black boys will take the shine of many of those they brush and wait on. “Elder Hyde remarked, ‘Put them on the level, and they will rise above me.’ I replied, if I raised you to be my equal, and then attempted to oppress you, would you not be indignant and try to rise above me, as did Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, and many others, who said I was a fallen Prophet, and they were capable of leading the people, although I never attempted to oppress them, but had always been lifting them up? Had I anything to do with the negro, I would confine them by strict law to their own species, and put them on a national equalization.”

(“Scriptural Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, Joseph Fielding Smith, pg. 269-270 archive.org)

Apostle Stapley is reminding Romney that the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that black people were of a separate species and were biologically programmed mentally and physically to be slaves. True, Joseph acknowledged that they can be refined and intelligent, but the fear that they would overtake the whites who had so long oppressed them was reason enough that Joseph advocated for laws which segregated blacks apart from every one else.

This is the course correction that Delbert Stapley, Apostle of Jesus Christ, is advocating for the anticipated presidential hopeful. The Civil Rights Act, which Romney was supporting, was the very antithesis of the Prophet’s plan. It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It stopped unequal voter registration requirements and ended racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and public accommodations. Those are the evils that Stapley was warning against. But he did not stop there.

Joseph Smith on Abolition

Stapley continued with more reading assignments:

Also, read from History of the Church , Period 1, Volume 2, beginning on page 436, under the heading, “The Prophet’s Views on Abolition,” which article continues to the bottom of page 440. After reading this last-mentioned statement by the Prophet, then come back to the last paragraph on page 438, and give it some real thought.

The letter regarding Abolition that he is referring to is the same one which I previously examined in depth in the post “Joseph Smith vs The Abolitionists” Please take the time to review that article because it is a stark contrast to the liberal image of the Prophet that the church paints today regarding his views on race. Stapley directs Romney to focus in particular on this statement:

“Trace the history of the world from this notable event down to this day, and you will find the fulfillment of this singular prophecy. What could have been the design of the Almighty in this singular occurrence is not for me to say; but I can say, the curse is not yet taken off from the sons of Canaan, neither will be until it is affected by as great a power as caused it to come; and the people who interfere the least with the purposes of God in this matter, will come under the least condemnation before Him; and those who are determined to pursue a course, which shows an opposition, and a feverish restlessness against the decrees of the Lord, will learn, when perhaps it is too late for their own good, that God can do His own work, without the aid of those who are not dictated by His counsel.”

(History of the Church, Vol 2, Pg. 438, byu.edu)

Now, at first it may seem that the Apostle is reminding Romney that the blacks are still under the Curse and as such should be given a different status, but as he continues it becomes clear that referring to this paragraph serves an altogether different purpose.

Divine Death Threats

This is made clear in the following paragraph:

“When I reflect upon the Prophet’s statements and remember what happened to three of our nation’s presidents who were very active in the Negro cause, I am sobered by their demise. They went contrary to the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith- unwittingly, no doubt, but nevertheless, the prophecy of Joseph Smith, “…those who are determined to pursue a course, which shows an opposition, and a feverish restlessness against the decrees of the Lord, will learn, when perhaps it is too late for their own good, that God can do His own work, without the aid of those who are not dictated by His counsel,” has and will continue to be fulfilled.”

Read that again and consider what he is actually saying. Apostle Stapley is tacitly threatening Romney with divine assassination by pointing out that other Presidents who have worked in favor of civil rights and racial equality have met that fate. These were:

Abraham Lincoln – Issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 freeing every slave in the south and ultimately enacting the abolition of slavery nationwide. Assassinated April 15, 1865.

William McKinley – Raised in an abolitionist household, broke precedent and named numerous African Americans to appointed offices. Assassinated 6 September 1901.

John F. Kennedy – Just months prior to Stapley’s letter, JFK had made great strides in ending segregation and setting the stage for nationwide change. Prompted by the protests growing over segregation at the University of Alabama, JFK decided that the time was right to confront the hearts and minds of America about racial equality. In a televised address on civil liberties on 11 June 1963 President Kennedy made an impassioned appeal to the American people. “We are confronted primarily with a moral issue. It is as old as the scriptures and is as clear as the American Constitution. The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities.” A few weeks later he sent Congress the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction. That bill would eventually become the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He was Assassinated just 2 months later on 22 November 1963.

These men of political power each had used their influence to move the country closer to the human ideal of racial equality. The historical reasons for their assassination are complex. Most people would think that the deaths of these men was anything but the divine punishment of God for their noble efforts in civil rights. Stapley is informing Romney that each of these men met their deaths because they worked towards equality for blacks which he saw as “against the decrees of the Lord.” In doing so he is actually issuing a divine death threat to Romney if he continues to do the same.

Perhaps you think that I am reading too much into this. Perhaps he is just using historical narrative to make a theological point. Stapley continues his letter to remove all doubt:

In this respect, let me give you a personal experience. A friend of mine in Arizona— not a Church member—a great champion of the colored race—came to me after my call into the Twelve, and acknowledged President McKay to be a Prophet of God. He wanted me to ask President McKay to inquire of the Lord to see if the Lord would not lift the curse from the colored race and give them the privileges of the Priesthood. I explained to him that the Lord had placed the curse upon the Negro, which denied him the Priesthood; therefore, it was the Lord’s responsibility-not man’s— to change His decision. This friend of mine met a very tragic end by drowning. He was a most enthusiastic advocate of the colored cause and went about promoting for them all the privileges, social opportunities, and participation enjoyed by the Whites.

The Apostle Stapley here doubles down on the threat by demonstrating that it is not only by the assassins hand that death may come to those who work for equality. Low level individuals who agitate for racial equality will also meet an untimely demise by the hand of God. This is the real message that Stapley is sending to the presidential hopeful. It is no different than the mafia strongman who points to the past victims of mafia violence in order to persuade a new shakedown target to comply.

The Prophet is The Man

Apart from the threats of violence, in each of these examples Stapley is making the case that it is not through the workings of anyone other than the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that any element of equality can or should come about and then only through the independent actions of the prophet – not through the influence of politicians or activists. This is a theme that we saw in the exchange between Lowry Nelson and the First Presidency as well. It takes on a different dimension when you realize that this is an example of a religious leader attempting to coerce a political leader to change his position on a matter of civil policy and law. Separation of Church and State indeed!

The Proper Place for Blacks

Stapley, not wanting to be misunderstood, goes through some effort to assure Romney that despite the above truths, black people still have a place in society:

I am sure you know that the Prophet Joseph Smith, in connection with the Negro problem of this country, proposed to Congress that they sell public lands and buy up the Negro slaves and transport them back to Africa from whence they came. I am sure the Prophet, with his vision and understanding, foresaw the problems we are faced with today with this race, which caused him to promote this program.

And apparently that place is in a country other than the United States – or at least it should have been if the beloved Prophet had been heeded. It is remarkable that Stapley would invoke this aspect of Joseph’s proposal since the issue of exporting all blacks out of the country was made prominent by the American Colonization Society as early as 1816 and the group finally dissolved the very year Stapley wrote to Romney in 1964. That group had promoted the idea of exporting all black people out of America and back to Africa and in doing so, perpetuated the very racism that it tried to ameliorate. Hearing a modern 20th century religious leader yearn for the days of black repatriation is a jolt to the senses.

Joseph endorsed segregation

Stapley goes on to explain why this idea makes sense to him:

The statements of the Prophet Joseph Smith have been a helpful influence on me because they accord with my own understandings regarding the Negro. I cannot, in my own feelings, accept the idea of public accommodations; the taking from the whites their wishes to satisfy the Negros. I do not have any objection to recognizing the Negro in his place and giving him every opportunity for education, for employment, for whatever contribution he can make to the society of men and the protection and blessings of Government. Yet, all these things, in my judgment, should accord with the expressions of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is not right to force any class or race of people upon those of a different social order or race classification. People are happier when placed in the environment and association of like interests, racial instincts, habits, and natural groupings.

Let’s be clear here – Romney simply wants men of all races to be treated equally by government and in the marketplace. Stapley can’t accept that idea because it does not accord with his own feelings or those of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Keep in mind that there is a case that can be made against government forcing private retailers not to discriminate. The argument goes that such laws override individual liberty on the part of the entrepreneur and increases government interference and control. Over the long run economics will drive entrepreneurs towards desegregation because a businessman who segregates based on race limits their market share and as society progresses will simply marginalize themselves towards irrelevance.

This could be the case that Stapley uses – but instead of that he bases his position on Joseph Smith’s views which are, if you recall, that black men and women are biologically suited to slavery “mentally and physically” and should be confined by strict law to “their own species.” Stapley’s argument against forced desegregation isn’t based on principles of individual liberty but rather it is based on perpetuating the very racist notions that justified segregation in the first place!

“Mormonism and the Negro”

To help Romney bolster his Mormon perspective on black people, Stapley gives him another reading assignment:

I am enclosing a little booklet entitled Mormonism and the Negro, which you may already have. If not, it is an enlightening exposition and quite well reflects the Church position in regard to these people,

“Mormonism and the Negro” is a book by John J Stewart, Associate professor of Journalism at Utah State University, and William E. Berrett, Vice President of Brigham Young University. Published in 1960 is was a collection and exposition of numerous official statements from LDS leaders about black people and their position vis-a-vis the preexistence, gospel and priesthood. It has been digitized and can be read in full at archive.org. Be warned that it contains all the vile, ignorant and racist things that the recent “Race and the Priesthood” essay on LDS.org now calls disavowed folklore. In 1964 the Apostle Delbert Stapley said it well reflected the churches views in regard to “these people”

By referring Romney to this book, it would appear that Stapley is trying to help Romney discard his notions of racial equality and remind him that blacks have a lesser position in this world by divine decree. The hope, it may be assumed, is that once Romney was thus enlightened he would stop supporting laws which would appear to elevate black people beyond their secondary station.

The Proper Civil Rights Bill

In true Apostolic form Stapley goes on to give his more nuanced and balanced view of the proper sort of civil rights legislation:

I am not against a Civil Rights Bill if it conforms to the views of the Prophet Joseph Smith according to the references above given. I fully agree the Negro is entitled to considerations also stated above, but not full social benefits nor inter-marriage privileges with the Whites, nor should the Whites be forced to accept them into restricted White areas. In my judgment, the present proposed Bill of Rights is vicious legislation. There needs to be some modification. The position of the Church cannot change until the Lord changes it Himself. Certainly I am not for exploiting racial or religious prejudices, but it is the present play-up to the Negro voters which is unnecessarily creating problems that by a more firm, sensible approach can be avoided. There will be a few die-hard leaders, but then that has always been true with any debatable issue. Principle — religious or otherwise — cannot be abrogated for political expediency.

Stapley argues here that a Civil Rights Bill would be fine just as long as it continues to promote segregation and anti-miscegenation – which are the very issues at the core of any civil rights legislation in the first place! It is important to note that thus far this Apostle of Jesus Christ has yet to invoke any doctrine or teaching of Christ but instead has only relied on arguments that would find applause at any rally of the Ku Klux Klan. He is acting more as an apostle of those racist sentiments than he is of The Master.

Stapley’s tender mercy

Finally, Stapley assures Romney that his own attitude towards blacks is magnanimous:

Now, don’t think I am against the Negro people, because I have several in my employ. We must understand and recognize their status and then, accordingly, provide for them. I just don’t think we can get around the Lord’s position in relation to the Negro without punishment for our acts; going contrary to that which He has revealed. The Lord will not permit His purposes to be frustrated by man.

If the fact that one employs a black person is evidence that they are not racist, then the Slave Masters have been unjustly impugned in the pages of history. Stapley’s statement here is so blindly racist that it is almost comical. In the same paragraph that he provides shallow proof that he is not against black people, he reinforces the idea that they have a lesser status which it is the duty of the white men of power to “provide for them.” The fact that he sees Romney’s efforts for civil liberties as an attempt to “frustrate” the purposes of God speaks volumes about just how in tune with the mind and will of God this Apostle of Jesus Christ actually is.

Stapley closes his letter with pleasantries:

Please understand I have a great respect and admiration for you, but because of my feelings I thought I should express myself as I have so you will know my personal position. This letter is for your personal use only (also Lenore) , and is not to be used in any other way. It does not require an answer . With best wishes and success to you and Lenore always, I am Faithfully your friend and brother, Delbert Stapley

Conclusion

Just a few months after sending this letter to Romney, the Apostle Stapley addressed the body of the church in the April General Conference. His talk was on the subject of truth and the church. He makes the case that in the essential quest for truth men cannot rely on the world of philosophy or science but only on the men at the head of the church. He quotes Joseph F. Smith in explaining that the leaders of the Church can be trusted because of their divine connection and their mission:

“Our mission is to save, to preserve from evil, to exalt mankind, to bring light and truth into the world, to prevail upon the people of the earth to walk righteously before God, and to honor Him in their lives and with the first fruits of all their substance and increase that their barns may be filled with plenty, and, figuratively speaking, that ‘their presses may burst out with new wine.'”

(April 1964 General Conference Report, archive.org)

By actively writing and attempting to put an end to Romney’s efforts on civil rights for black men and women, Stapley is not “bringing light and truth into the world” he is actively trying to prevent that light and truth from dawning. He is not “prevailing upon the people of the earth to walk righteously” – he is tripping up those would try to walk at the forefront.

At least the final part of this quote reflects reality – they want men to give “the first fruits of all their substance and increase” (to pay tithing) but how long will the leaders of the church be able to assume that the members will continue to do so? Once the members see that the men they revere as Apostles were actively working behind the scene to try to stop the progress of racial equality and civil rights will they continue to trust these men to give them moral direction on matters of conscience?

As we saw with the exchange of Lowry Nelson and now George Romney, the members knew that the racist policy prohibiting ordination of blacks was wrong. These church members were like you and me, simply living in the world and trying to do what is right according to our conscience. They were each closer to the mind of God on the issue of race than the prophets and apostles who upbraided, reprimanded, criticized and threatened them for simply holding the conviction that one man was just as deserving of dignity and privilege as another regardless of the color of their skin. If the Prophets could be so deeply mistaken about so fundamental a thing for so long – what reason do we have to trust them on any other issue? There may come a time when their threats of death or excommunication carry no weight because their own blindness has impeached the authority upon which they stand.

I am glad that church members, such as Lowry Nelson and George Romney, had the moral strength to stand up for what is right – even in the face of apostolic condemnation. Romney paid no heed to this letter and became more active and vocal in his support for civil rights. History again has sided with a conscientious member over those who claim to speak for God.

How many members did not have the wherewithal to act in opposition to the decrees of the Mormon Prophets and Apostles? For every Romney and Nelson, how many Members are there whose conscience was pricked with compassion towards their mistreated black brothers and sisters only to have the words of the Brethren over-ride and suppress that impulse?

There are significant social questions facing the church today. Priesthood ordination of women and gay marriage are the most visible. The leaders of the church are speaking out against those “evils” with just as much fervor and intensity as they did in defense of the priesthood ban for black men. The message of George Romney is that each member should not be afraid to examine the issue and trust their own conscience no matter what the Brethren say.