All Are Alike Unto God: Leading Out in Rooting Out Racism

A Study Guide

Brothers and Sisters,

Over the last few months, we have been visibly reminded that racism and racial injustice persist all around us.  Many have been hurt and continue to suffer because of racial inequality. In this past October General Conference, we heard much discussion on this topic and we, as a Stake Presidency and Stake Relief Society Presidency, believe we must follow the admonition of President Nelson to “lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice.” The Book of Mormon teaches that “All are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). We hope that as we follow the guidance of our prophet we will come closer as a stake to this ideal.

To this end, we have compiled these lessons with the sole purpose of helping us to become more like Jesus Christ.  We believe that by studying and prayerfully pondering the words of our prophet and other Church leaders and the scriptures, and by listening to our brothers and sisters who have experienced racism, we can begin to root out racism in our Church thus becoming a more Christlike community.

As we follow the teachings in this guide, we will:

  1. Become more Christlike as we learn to more fully love all of God’s children.
  2. Understand the correct doctrine around topics of race in the church and create a productive and safe space in our wards for people of all races and nationalities.
  3. More effectively carry out the Work of Salvation and the gathering of Israel as we increase our love for our neighbors. 

We invite you to read and study the resources we have compiled in this study guide with “meekness and lowliness of heart” that we may experience the promise made by Mormon, “because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love.” We pray that this will bring us together across all beliefs and opinions because of our common belief in prophets, the work of salvation and charity. We can be united in our belief in a loving God that loves all of his children equally and in a Savior who reached out to the marginalized again and again.

As you will see, we have based the study guide on action words that are found in the quotes of the prophets and other Church resources around racism and prejudice and we hope that you will ponder and take on the suggested activities or other actions you are prompted to act on to do better, repent and improve, lead, love, work tirelessly, build bridges, minister, understand, be one, root out, unify, and gather. We hope you view these lessons as a starting point in rooting out racism and as a help to all of us to become more comfortable in discussing race in our Sunday meetings. Most importantly, we hope through these lessons we can all understand the actions we can take to follow the pattern our Savior set to love all of our neighbors of every race, color, gender, marital status, culture or socioeconomic status. We believe that this will ultimately be an uplifting experience and bring us each closer to Christ.

Sincerely,
Trevor Boll, Stake President, Seattle North Stake
Jenni Currit, Relief Society President, Seattle North Stake

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