Exaltation (Mormonism)
[23] It is the pinnacle ordinance of the temple and an extension of the Nauvoo endowment[24][25] which founder Joseph Smith taught was to ensure salvation, guarantee exaltation, and confer godhood.The ordinance is currently only given in secret to a few select couples chosen by top leaders,[28][29][30] and presently most LDS adherents are unaware of the ritual's existence.Because these ordinances are considered essential to enter the highest degree of heaven, this meant black people were effectively banned from exaltation.[1][40][41] Recent examples of this include a 2010 church manual which states that after death exalted adherents can "develop a kingdom over which [they] will preside as its king and god."[44][45] A 2013 student manual quotes a former church president who taught future exalted people can "organize matter into worlds on which their posterity may dwell, and over which they shall rule as gods.