“[1]Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God’s eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and [2]witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending [3]many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance.
“[4]He has heard our prayers, and [5]by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones [6]every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple.”
1. Aware of the promises
With the help of others, President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) carefully studied the scriptures and statements made by Church leaders in addresses, journals, meetings, and other sources since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, including the following:
2. Witnessing the faithfulness
Read the powerful experiences of faithful black members around the world who joined the Church before the 1978 revelation and experienced the announcement of the long-promised day:
Charlotte and William Acquah (Ghana), Helvécio and Rudá Martins (Brazil), and Joseph and Toe Freeman (USA) in “Witnessing the Faithfulness: Official Declaration 2” at lds.org/go/061820a.
George Rickford (England) in “I Will Take It in Faith” at lds.org/go/061820b.
The revelation was about more than just ordination to the priesthood. Men, women, and children were blessed by access to all priesthood ordinances, including the blessings of the temple.