Mormon Political Neutrality

I remember at a young age someone reading over the church pulpit a letter from the first presidency asking us to participate on voting in current elections. There was never a stance on which party to vote for in these letters. But I do recall when Proposition 22 in California first came through to ban gay marriage, we were asked to support this matter. Then later with Proposition 8 over 2 years ago we were asked again to support this matter. I was on my mission at this time and I remember receiving so much grief from people on the streets and with less actives or former members - I did serve in Seattle after all. It was very confusing at times because we weren't on top of the news as missionaries. I remember when I came back from my mission, I was listening to a talk radio host an he said, "Unless you've been living underneath a rock, you should know all about..." and then he said name. I had no clue what he was talking about, must have lived under a rock. But I do remember what I heard in the wards I was a missionary over and know that it was no different than when it was for Proposition 22. We were standing up for the sanctity of the family and I believe in doing so.

It does not matter what politicians we support in the church. I know some very good Democrats and some very bad Republicans that are members and I believe the church is really for everyone.

Here is a link to a list of Latter-day Saint politicians http://famousmormons.net/pol.html

I received the following from my Political Science teacher here at BYU that used to be the Utah Democratic Party president -

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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."