Genesis Group facts for kids

The Genesis Group is a special organization within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was created to support and connect African-American members and their families. This group helps Black members of the Church feel a sense of belonging and community.

History of the Genesis Group

How the Group Started

The Genesis Group was started on June 8, 1971. It was formed in Salt Lake City, Utah. Important Church leaders helped create it. These leaders were Thomas Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Boyd K. Packer. They worked with Ruffin Bridgeforth, Eugene Orr, and Darius Gray.

The main goal was to give African-American Church members a place to meet. It allowed them to connect with other Black members.

Early Meetings and Changes

The Genesis Group held special meetings for Black members. These included meetings similar to those for women (called Relief Society), children (called Primary), and young men and women. They also had "testimony meetings" where members could share their beliefs.

Members of Genesis still went to their regular Sunday Church meetings. These included sacrament meeting, priesthood meetings, and Sunday School. The Genesis Group was like a small Church group, or "branch." However, it did not have the full authority of a regular Church branch.

Ruffin Bridgeforth led the group from 1971 to 1978.

A Big Change in 1978

On June 8, 1978, the Church made an important announcement. This was a revelation (a message from God). It said that all worthy male members of the Church could hold the priesthood. Before this, some Black members could not hold the priesthood.

After this change, fewer people attended the Genesis Group meetings. The group officially stopped meeting in 1987. One reason for the drop in attendance was that members already had many Church activities. Adding Genesis Group meetings made their schedules even busier.

The Group Reorganizes

The Genesis Group was started again in 1996. Leaders felt that African Americans still faced unique challenges. They believed members could benefit from meeting with others who understood their experiences.

Since its reorganization, the group has had several leaders. These include Darius Gray (1997–2003) and Don Harwell (2003–2018). The current leader is Davis Stovall (2018-present).

Church leaders at the local level, like those in a stake and High Council, were assigned to support the Genesis Group. A General authority (a top Church leader) also helps as a connection to the group.

Where Genesis Groups Meet

Other Genesis groups have also existed in different places. One was in Washington, D.C.. By 2007, similar support groups were active in several cities. These included Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, Los Angeles, and Houston.

The main Genesis Group still meets today. They gather on the first Sunday of every month in Salt Lake City.

See also

• 1978 Revelation on Priesthood
• Black Mormons
• Black people and early Mormonism
• Black people in Mormon doctrine
• Black people and Mormonism