The Mormon Land podcast recently examined how Latter-day Saint congregations can respectfully incorporate African American spirituals and diverse musical arrangements into worship services following a recent controversy involving the Church's official historian. The discussion addressed the complexities of integrating songs recently added to the church's official hymnbook while avoiding cultural appropriation.
Details regarding historian's apology
The episode, released June 24, 2026, follows a period of tension within the faith after General Authority Seventy and official historian Kyle McKay issued an apology for remarks made earlier this month. During a regional worship service in Oklahoma, McKay reenacted a racist rendition of the African American spiritual “This Little Light of Mine.”
According to Mormon Land, McKay described the song as “a song where white people try to sing like Black people.” In his subsequent apology, McKay stated, “My words have caused offense and injury, and put a blight on an otherwise wonderful weekend.”
Exploring inclusion in LDS worship
The podcast episode uses the controversy to raise broader questions regarding the inclusion of African American musical traditions in LDS worship. The program specifically investigates how members of all backgrounds can engage with these spirituals, which include various musical elements such as four-piece bands and saxophones.
Distinction between respect and appropriation
As the church has recently added African American songs to its official hymnbook, the discussion focuses on the distinction between respectful inclusion and the types of caricatured performances that led to McKay's apology.
Perspectives from Black musicians
To provide perspective on these musical integrations, the program featured two Black Latter-day Saint musicians. Kimberly Applewhite Teitter, a clinical psychologist and assistant director for the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir, contributed to the conversation regarding worship practices.
Music as a unifying tool
Also participating was Krispin Banks, a musician, songwriter, and podcaster. Banks shared his belief that music serves a tool to unite believers across different cultures and functions to bring people closer to Jesus Christ.
The discussion highlights the ongoing effort within the LDS community to navigate the integration of diverse cultural heritages into official religious practice. By focusing on the perspectives of Black musicians, the episode seeks to address how the church can utilize these spiritual traditions without causing the offense seen in recent events.
