President Nelson Joins with NAACP in Calling for Racial Reform

President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a joint statement with senior leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in calling for love and justice.

Some might think us unlikely collaborators, but our respective organizations have connected in a significant way. Not as black or white, not as Baptists or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but as children of God who are working to bring hope, happiness, and love to all of God’s children.

In the spirit of unity and openness, they further declared that, “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.”

Today I joined with friends and leaders from the @NAACP to publish an op-ed about racial equality. We call on people everywhere to join us in a journey of understanding and overcoming.https://t.co/sAjJp0pkfV

— Russell M. Nelson (@NelsonRussellM) June 8, 2020

“We share deep sorrow for the senseless, heinous act of violence that needlessly took the life of George Floyd. We mourn with his family, friends and community. We likewise look on with sadness at the anger, hate, contempt and violence spilling onto America’s streets, devastating cities across the nation, and creating fear and anxiety in citizens across this great land.”

“The wheels of justice should move fairly for all. Jesus of Nazareth came that we might have life, and have it “more abundantly.” We should follow His example and seek for an abundant life for all God’s children. This includes protecting our brothers and sisters who have been wronged and bringing to justice those who have taken life or broken the law, thus robbing others of an abundant life.”

Read the full joint statement at Medium