This thesis explains that the Church felt the need to project anti-black views to placate slaveholders. The Church was largely antislavery, and Missouri citizens were quick to notice the differences in the newly formed Church. A "Secret Constitution" was circulated through Jackson County in July of 1833 that accused the Saints of "tampering with our slaves, and endeavoring to sow dissentions and raise seditions amongst them"5. The members of the Church were eventually forced out of the county after violent Mob action.
Several other historians have dismissed the so-called "Missouri thesis," arguing that the denial of priesthood came under the leadership of Brigham Young. A major fact that argues against the Missouri thesis was the record of the first African American priest; Elijah Abel was ordained an elder in the Melchizedek priesthood on March 3, 18366. It is believed that Abel was a close friend of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was able to perform several church ordinances, including performing marriages, because he was recognized by the state of Ohio as a licensed minister of the Church. While participating in missionary work for the Church, controversial attitudes were directed towards Abel from both Mormon and non-Mormon parties. Citizens in upstate New York accused Abel of murder and offered a reward for his apprehension, but fortunately he was able to clear his name and was aloud to leave un-harmed. .
After the assassination of Smith, Brigham Young led the LDS Church to settle Utah. Slavery issues often coincided with attempts at statehood. Church leaders were frequently forced to address the position of the church concerning the Negro race. Church elders, including Young, often spoke out against slavery in the South, but the increasing number of black migrations into the territory of Utah between 1847-1850 began to complicate the feeling of many Church leaders. Young and several other Church apostles were often quick to remark on the dangers of racial intermixture especially through marriage.
