If Ye Are Not One...

My church's 100+ year history of racism is one of the hardest things about being Mormon for me. Over the years, I've heard that racism explained away, swept under the rug, or even justified with twisted doctrine.

That's why Saturday's "Be One" broadcast was so refreshing. On one hand, there's something weird about celebrating the day an oppressive, racist policy we're not even sure was inspired in the first place was finally lifted.

On the other hand, hearing Elder Oaks--who has rather famously stated that the Church neither asks for nor gives apology--begin his remarks not with justifications or platitudes but with heartfelt acknowledgment of the suffering the ban had caused, and his own struggle to come to terms with the injustice of it had me in tears pretty much from word one.

The program is beautiful. It tells the stories of black Mormon pioneers around the world, acknowledging the hardships and pain the ban brought them, their faith and courage in facing it, and the blessings that have come since. While I wouldn't say it was everything I (let alone Black Mormons) ever needed to hear, it was definitely a step in the right direction. And definitely worth watching. Plus, I guarantee you have *never* heard the MoTab sing like this--you'll never want to go back ;)