‘Mormon Land’: Black priesthood ban didn’t come from God or Joseph Smith
In his new book, Latter-day Saint historian W. Paul Reeve spells out how Brigham Young, in blunt and bigoted language, instituted a racist policy that lasted for more than a century.
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Joseph Smith, left, and Brigham Young, the first two leaders of the Latter-day Saint faith. Smith put in place no racial restrictions on members; Young did.
David is a managing editor at The Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He oversees coverage ranging from local government and west-side issues to growth, development and housing. In addition, he directs religion reporting, co-hosts the award-winning “Mormon Land” podcast and writes the Mormon Land newsletter.
Hired in 1991 to cover Utah's various faiths, particularly Mormonism, Peggy has talked forgiveness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, nearly fainted waiting for the Dalai Lama, fasted with Muslims during Ramadan — and has reported on 50 consecutive semiannual LDS General Conferences.