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Mr. Richards’ comments may have been made 70 years ago, however, in 2016 the Church’s canon still shows evidence they support this line of thinking. There’s simply no other way to phrase what this man has said, other than to call it what it is: racism.
Legally speaking, in 1978 the Church had to change their ways to be amenable to societal demands, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out their canon still carries the telltale signs of Mormonism’s ugly underbelly. You’ll notice in the title of Richards’ speech how he’s referred to black people as evil.
I can say from personal experience that listening to this montage of lies in the first twenty years of life can produce low self-esteem, misconception of God’s creative abilities, and builds an overall mistrust of all races, including your own.
Ironically, while the title of his speech isn’t reiterated in other speeches, the effects of what they do teach, are still the same.
As kindly as possible, ask the Mormon you know for their thoughts on the race issue in Mormonism. Does it concern them that Mormon canon hasn’t changed even though they now accept blacks into the priesthood? Also ask for their opinion about our bible verse today! Does it cause them concern the Church won’t use this in their teachings?
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Conference Report, ‘Punishment of the Wicked,’ October 1947, p. 57 “The Negro race have been forbidden the priesthood, and the higher temple blessings, presumably because of their not having been valiant while in the spirit. It does not pay to be anything but valiant.” – George F. Richards