Spencer W. Kimball counsels against interracial marriage, but states that there is "no condemnation" of it.

Date
Jan 5, 1965
Type
Speech / Court Transcript
Source
Spencer W. Kimball
LDS
Hearsay
Scribed Verbatim
Direct
Reference

Spencer W. Kimball, "Address to Students of Brigham Young University: Indian Students and Their Co-Workers," January 5, 1965, Edward Kimball Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, UA 617, Box 2, Folder 6

Scribe/Publisher
Harold B. Lee Library
People
Spencer W. Kimball
Audience
Brigham Young University
PDF
Transcription

Now, the brethren feel that it is not the wisest thing to cross racial lines in dating and marrying. There is no condemnation. We have had some of our fine people who have crossed the lines. We hope they will be very happy, but experience of the brethren through a hundred years has provded to us that marriage is a very difficult thing under any circumstances and the difficulty increases in inter-race marriages. Life is hard and frustrations are many at the best and men and women with every opportunity for success and happiness have divorces. The divorce courts are filled and many divorces are granted even when partners have the same religion, the same race, the same background. Marriage is not easy. Now, then, if you add to all those difficult hurdles, one of race or one of religion, it makes it difficult indeed. We do not say that a couple from two races cannot be happy. But, we are sure that if you fine Indian girls and splendid Indian boys will seek and make an effort to marry those who have the same background in the same race, you will have a better chance to be happier in general. There may be some exceptions but usually you will be much happier.

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