In scripture, Jesus tells us to “be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” “Be One” is the theme of a First Presidency-sponsored event on June 1, 2018, celebrating the 1978 revelation on the priesthood on its 40th anniversary. BeOne.lds.org has been created to provide more information about the event, which will feature a message from the First Presidency, stories of faith of Church members and music from Gladys Knight, the Saints Unified Voices, Alex Boyé, the Bonner family, the Unity Gospel Choir International and members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Although attitudes and choices such as anger, bigotry, racism, prejudice and intolerance cause separation and division, fortunately, prophets have taught that “a great day of unity is coming.”
The 1978 revelation was a truly monumental day in the history of the Church and the world. President Spencer W. Kimball, the Lord’s prophet on the earth at that time, announced that the opportunity to receive all the blessings of the priesthood would be extended to all of God's children everywhere in the world. The revelation rescinded the restriction on priesthood ordination. It also extended the blessings of the temple to all worthy Latter-day Saints, men and women.
While the June celebration will hail the history of black Mormon pioneers and reaffirm the reality that “all are alike unto God” in His global family, the event is intended to be much more than a celebration. It will also be a renewal of our collective commitment to pursue oneness in our relationships with each other and with heaven.
President M. Russell Ballard said, “We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalism. Let it be said that we truly believe the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are for every child of God.” Added Elder Quentin L. Cook, “anyone who claims superiority under the Father’s plan because of characteristics like race, sex, nationality, language, or economic circumstances is morally wrong and does not understand the Lord’s true purpose for all of our Father’s children.”
Tickets to "Be One” are free and can be reserved at BeOne.lds.org. The program will also be broadcast live online so the global family of Saints can watch together. The program will be available on-demand after the live event.
Adults and children of all ages and backgrounds are invited to attend. Visit BeOne.lds.org for more information.