Bringhurst argues that priesthood denial emerged under Brigham Young through several interacting factors, including conflict involving William McCary, slavery in Utah, and intensifying racial prejudice. His account of Elijah Able distinguishes the recognition of an existing Black priesthood holder from the denial of new ordinations and of temple ordinances.
- Newell G. Bringhurst, “Elijah Abel and the Changing Status of Blacks Within Mormonism,” Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 12, no. 2 (1979).
- Newell G. Bringhurst, Saints, Slaves, and Blacks: The Changing Place of Black People Within Mormonism (Greenwood Press, 1981).
Brigham Young’s decision to deny blacks the priesthood was undoubtedly prompted by several factors.