As a missionary in Panama in the 70s, I taught and baptized Panamanians of African descent and saw firsthand the struggle these members faced thinking they were somehow less valiant in the premortal life, and therefore not qualified for temple and priesthood blessings. These restrictions have been lifted and the confusing doctrine and speculations that were previously given have been disavowed.

Today, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or ethnicity are inferior in any way to anyone else. Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form. (Topics: Race and the Priesthood)

Women troubled with the doctrine of plural marriage do not have the same good fortune—at least not yet. While we are advised by the Church to say we no longer practice plural marriage, our temple sealing practices and D&C 132 cause some women to worry it foreshadows what might be eternal.

This is part of an essay that first appeared on SquareTwo