First Black Seventy - Congrats to Elder Sitati

[Hemidakota]

http://www.lds.net/media/photos/2008/41476.jpg

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

Elder Joseph W. Sitati, 56, had been serving as president of the Nigeria Calabar Mission at the time of his call. Elder Sitati earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nairobi, a diploma in accounting and finance from the Association of Certified Accountants and has also done course work for an MBA degree. He has worked as an executive for a nongovernmental organization and in several positions with a large oil and gas company. More recently he served as the Church's international director of public affairs in Africa. He is married to Gladys Nangoni Sitati.

Second Quorum of the Seventy

Article Link: LDS Church News - 12 called to Quorums of the Seventy

Edited April 20, 2009 by Hemidakota

[Palerider]

Am I worng....I did not think he was the first one to be called????

[Snow]

Africa's 'Mormon superstar' is first black African LDS general authority - Salt Lake Tribune

"The calling is quite intimidating," Sitati said last week before returning to Nigeria, where he is currently supervising a corps of Mormon missionaries. "I never thought of being a member of this high council. I consider it a great honor, but heavy responsibility."

The appointment is also symbolically important.

After all, the LDS Church did not allow men of African descent anywhere to be ordained to its all-male priesthood until 1978. Missionary work did not begin among black Africans until after that."

One day perhaps, the make-up of the Church hierarchy will look like the make-up of it's members.

[Just_A_Guy]

One day perhaps, the make-up of the Church hierarchy will look like the make-up of it's members.

You mean, 2/3 of them will be inactive?

[Snow]

No - I meant taking anti-depressants.

[Moksha]

To echo the words of Robert Kirby in his column on this milestone event: "Its about time".

In answer to Snow's question, I think that by 2109 many of the wish list items of 2009 will come to fruition, just as the liberal members of 1909 had many of their wishes posthumously fulfilled.

.

[Hemidakota]

I am grateful in living in a time where all men can obtain the blessing of GOD.

[DigitalShadow]

One day perhaps, the make-up of the Church hierarchy will look like the make-up of it's members.

It looks on track to me, I've only seen maybe 2 black Mormons since coming to Utah. To be fair though, I think I've only seen maybe 5 black people in Utah so far.

[Jim108]

I am glad to see this trend, not just with religion, but all organizations. The LDS should be very proud. Jim

[Palerider]

What natinality was the man several yrs ago that was a 70 and dark skin....does anyone remember????

[Just_A_Guy]

Helvécio Martins . . . Brazilian.

This guy is the first black Seventy of African nationality (as opposed to African descent). So, technically, the title of this thread is not accurate.

Edited April 22, 2009 by Just_A_Guy

[Palerider]

Helvécio Martins . . . Brazilian.

This guy is the first black Seventy of African nationality (as opposed to African descent).

yes....thats it....thank you......:)

[Snow]

It looks on track to me, I've only seen maybe 2 black Mormons since coming to Utah. To be fair though, I think I've only seen maybe 5 black people in Utah so far.

I was thinking of the Hispanic representation.