Political Neutrality

[Juliette]

Political Neutrality





The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.

The Church does not:
•Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
•Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
•Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
•Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.

The Church does:
•Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
•Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
•Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
•Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.

In the United States, where nearly half of the world’s Latter-day Saints live, it is customary for the Church at each national election to issue a letter to be read to all congregations encouraging its members to vote, but emphasizing the Church’s neutrality in partisan political matters.

Relationships With Government

Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.

Modern scriptural references to the role of government: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134

Political Party Participation of Presiding Church Officers

In addition, the First Presidency letter issued on 16 June 2011 is a re-statement and further clarification of the Church’s position on political neutrality at the start of another political season. It applies to all full-time General Authorities, general auxiliary leaders, mission presidents and temple presidents. The policy is not directed to full-time Church employees.

"General Authorities and general officers of the Church and their spouses and other ecclesiastical leaders serving full-time should not personally participate in political campaigns, including promoting candidates, fundraising, speaking in behalf of or otherwise endorsing candidates, and making financial contributions.

"Since they are not full-time officers of the Church, Area Seventies, stake presidents and bishops are free to contribute, serve on campaign committees and otherwise support candidates of their choice with the understanding they:
•Are acting solely as individual citizens in the democratic process and that they do not imply, or allow others to infer, that their actions or support in any way represent the church.
•Will not use Church stationery, Church-generated address lists or email systems or Church buildings for political promotional purposes.
•Will not engage in fundraising or other types of campaigning focused on fellow Church members under their ecclesiastical supervision."

[Silas]

Right. Sounds good to me. What is your point?

[Juliette]

My point is, nobody should be telling us who to vote for. Correct?

[Silas]

Not as a representative of the church. As a fellow citizen then absolutely they should try to convince you to vote for who they think is best. Just as you should try and convince them to vote for who you think is best. The political process can't work without people sharing their views.

[Juliette]

Not as a representative of the church. As a fellow citizen then absolutely they should try to convince you to vote for who they think is best. Just as you should try and convince them to vote for who you think is best. The political process can't work without people sharing their views.

I agree with what you've said, however, when someone tells you that you're eternal salvation is in jeoprady depending on who you vote for, isn't that representing the Church?

[LateOutOfBed]

Not as a representative of the church. As a fellow citizen then absolutely they should try to convince you to vote for who they think is best. Just as you should try and convince them to vote for who you think is best. The political process can't work without people sharing their views.

I agree with what you've said, however, when someone tells you that you're eternal salvation is in jeoprady depending on who you vote for, isn't that representing the Church?

No, just a very direct opinion and a quick way to make someone mad/offended... Someone may say anything about your eternal salvation that they want, and that has nothing to do with the church. It's solely an opinion. In reality, you and everyone here should know that the only people that know the state of our own personal eternal salvation and progress is the Lord and ourselves if we haven't strayed too far from the Spirit.

-- Geoff

[Juliette]

Not as a representative of the church. As a fellow citizen then absolutely they should try to convince you to vote for who they think is best. Just as you should try and convince them to vote for who you think is best. The political process can't work without people sharing their views.

I agree with what you've said, however, when someone tells you that you're eternal salvation is in jeoprady depending on who you vote for, isn't that representing the Church?

No, just a very direct opinion and a quick way to make someone mad/offended... Someone may say anything about your eternal salvation that they want, and that has nothing to do with the church. It's solely an opinion. In reality, you and everyone here should know that the only people that know the state of our own personal eternal salvation and progress is the Lord and ourselves if we haven't strayed too far from the Spirit.

-- Geoff

Good Answer Geoff. Just what I was looking for. There is only ONE judge concerning our salvation. The things that roll off the lips of
Men!

[Juliette]

[HeirofNumenor]

Actually, Juliette - the colors of the personages should be reversed :p

[LateOutOfBed]

Good Answer Geoff. Just what I was looking for. There is only ONE judge concerning our salvation. The things that roll off the lips of
Men!

Also, one thing I learned by having to be a juror for the month of May... is I REALLY don't want to have to judge like that again. I really do want to leave it up to the Lord! It was honestly hard realizing that I was one of 12 people that just sent a man to prison for a very long time. The sentencing happens early July, so I don't know how long, but I'm guessing he'll get a sentence of near 100 years.

Short version, I think I'll let Christ do the judging, it's too disheartening, and only step in if for some reason I become a Bishop and am asked to fill that role then.

-- Geoff

[Juliette]

Good Answer Geoff. Just what I was looking for. There is only ONE judge concerning our salvation. The things that roll off the lips of
Men!

Also, one thing I learned by having to be a juror for the month of May... is I REALLY don't want to have to judge like that again. I really do want to leave it up to the Lord! It was honestly hard realizing that I was one of 12 people that just sent a man to prison for a very long time. The sentencing happens early July, so I don't know how long, but I'm guessing he'll get a sentence of near 100 years.

Short version, I think I'll let Christ do the judging, it's too disheartening, and only step in if for some reason I become a Bishop and am asked to fill that role then.

-- Geoff

I have never been a juror. I'm afraid I would be just the opposite.