Who is Latter-day Saints leader Brad Wilcox?
THE Latter-day Saints are a part of The Church of Jesus Christ which was founded in Fayette, New York in April 1830.
One of the Church's high-level leaders is Brad Wilcox, who made headlines in February for his statements about Black people and priesthood.
Who is Brad Wilcox?
Born December 25, 1959, Wilcox, 62, is a leader in the LDS Church, and is also a professor of religion at Brigham Young University.
In his spare time, Wilcox also writes books. His most famous publication to date is The Continuous Atonement (2009).
Wilcox became a leader in the movement in April 2020 and often speaks to youth members addressing questions and talking about the priesthood.
Earlier in his career. Wilcox obtained a master's degree in Teaching and Learning from BYU and then went on to obtain his doctorate in education from the University of Wyoming.
He then worked as a sixth-grade teacher in Provo, Utah, and served in several church callings.
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What did Brad Wilcox say?
While recently speaking to a group of youth members, Wilcox made some controversial comments about the Church’s 1852-1978 ban on Black men holding the priesthood and receiving temple blessings.
“Now sadly you live in a time where a lot of people get uptight about priesthood issues. One of the most glorious things we have in the church, and yet people want to sit and fight about it and get uptight about it,” he said, according to .
“I don’t mean to oversimplify a complex issue. I sure think we make it a little harder than it needs to be," Wilcox continued.
“Maybe we’re asking the wrong question. Maybe instead of saying why did the Blacks have to wait until 1978, maybe what we should be asking is, Why did the whites and other races have to wait until 1829? One thousand, eight hundred, twenty-nine years they waited. Why did the Gentiles have to wait until after the Jews? And why did everybody in the house of Israel except the tribe of Levi have to wait until ...”
The remarks sparked outrage among members, and Wilcox released a statement, apologizing for his remarks.
“My dear friends, I made a serious mistake last night, and I am truly sorry,” he wrote on Facebook.
“The illustration I attempted to use about the timing of the revelation on the priesthood for Black members was wrong. I’ve reviewed what I said and I recognize that what I hoped to express about trusting God’s timing did NOT come through as I intended. To those I offended, especially my dear Black friends, I offer my sincere apologies, and ask for your forgiveness. I am committed to do better.”
BYU also released a statement saying they were "deeply concerned with the words" by Wilcox.
“We are deeply concerned with the words recently used by Dr. Brad Wilcox,” the university said. “We appreciate his sincere apology and believe he is committed to learn from this experience. BYU remains committed to upholding President Nelson’s charge to root out racism in our institutions.
“We are carrying out the guiding principles outlined by President Worthen in evaluating and implementing the recommendations provided by the Committee on Race, Equity and Belonging, including the creation of a new Office of Belonging.”
Is Brad Wilcox married?
Wilcox is married to Deborah G. Gunnell Wilcox and together they have four children and eight grandchildren.
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Despite a high-profile marriage, little information is available on Wilcox's family as they tend to stay out of the limelight.
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