A new poll done by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life shows that three percent of American Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are Black. The poll showed higher percentages for Jehovah Witnesses, Evangelicals, and Orthodox Christians and lower percentages for Catholics and Mainline Protestants. You can look at the entire survey here: Pew Forum Research Poll

This survey marks substantial progress. Darius Gray notes that estimates in 1965 of Black Latter-day Saints were only about 300 to 400 people. The current 3% estimate would mean roughly 200,000 people in the USA. Looking at the Deseret News Church Almanac, Darius Gray concludes that about 750,000 Latter-day Saints worldwide have Black African roots.

We would like to see the percentage of Black Latter-day Saints increase. More importantly, we hope that all people would have a better understanding of the Mormon faith and the contribution of Black members. We also hope that Latter-day Saints would continue to improve in their understanding and appreciation of various ethnic groups and religions.

For a scholarly study of these issues, we recommend the book “All Abraham’s Children” by Armand Mauss. To read an article where Dr. Mauss summarizes some of his analysis, go to http://www.blacklds.org/mauss.

This Sunday, March 23, 2008 from 5-6 pm MST.  Marvin will be on the air with Van Hale for one hour discussing the new Blacks in the Scriptures DVD series that he and Darius Gray produced.  Here are details on how to listen and or call in to the show:    Radio Station: KTKK 630 AM, Salt Lake City.  Live Internet Streaming Audio can be accessed at: www.k-talk.com or mms://stream.netro.ca/ktkk  Salt Lake Call-in Number: 254-5855. Outside Salt Lake : 801-254-5855  To Participate by email send your question for Marvin or comment to van.hale@k-talk.com