"... Think on these things." Letter from John W. Fitgerald on November 16, 1975

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"...Think on these things."

John Fitzgerald, a prominent figure in the LDS Church during the twentieth century, wrote this letter summarizing his views on the priesthood policy. Although a very passionate person, Fitzgerald relied on persuasion using morals, emotion, and logic to communicate his stance. He directly quotes scripture and refers to famous religious stories as evidence. The letter shares a message of showing an inclusive love to everyone, modeling after Jesus Christ. 

"Where is the revelation-value (or worth) in the LDS dogma and practice of discrimination against Negroes? Does it lift them up? Does it benefit them? Does it reflect credit upon those who practice and defend it? And most of all, does it glorify God? ...

'For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.' (John 3:17)

Why not accept men of all ages; creeds and countries; treat all men equally, give all men equal opportunity, then let God be the final judge?"¹

Acts 10:34-35

Mosiah 23:7

Everyone is Equal

Scriptures teaching that God sees all men equally are found throughout the scriptures and are used in the main arguments against excluding blacks from the priesthood. Acts 10:34-35, the Apostle Peter taught that "God is no respecter of persons," God sees every nation equivalent.² In Mosiah, prophets shared revelation against esteeming one man above another, for one person is not greater than his neighbor.³ 

Supporters of an inclusionary priesthood often quoted scriptures on equality as evidence.^{4 5}

Matthew 28:19-20

Revelation 3:20

Teach Everyone, Support Everyone

Jesus Christ instructed His followers to teach the gospel to everyone, regardless of their country or race,⁶ for Christ would reach out to anyone who sought for the blessings He offered.⁷ Christ emphasized the importance of this message by choosing it as one of His first conversations following His believed resurrection.

Popular scriptures in the New Testament supported the belief of sharing the whole gospel, including access to the priesthood, by using Christ's voice for widespread membership, participation, and blessings.⁸  

Articles of Faith 1:2-3

Sins Are Personal, They Are Not Inherited

The Articles of Faith are composed of thirteen statements outlining foundational LDS beliefs; they are treated as scripture and are included in the Pearl of Great Price. Verse two teaches the everyone is accountable for their own deeds, not those of our forefathers. The following line says that since Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of men, giving everyone the opportunity to repent and be forgiven of their personal transgressions.⁹ If men are not responsible for the sins of Adam and Eve, why are some being punished for the acts of Cain? Why are some being denied the full blessings of the Atonement? The Article of Faith were used to change policies using fundamental beliefs.¹⁰