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."

My Brothers' Keeper

I want to thank my family for everything, but particularly my five brothers.

I have grown up in a wonderful family where my parents equally raised and taught six sons about principles of the restored gospel, happiness and life lessons. I am grateful for them and the immense amount of love that they have shown equally to each of us. I am number four of six boys. No girls (my mom wanted a daughter, that's probably why there are six of us). There is a 14 year gap between the oldest and youngest.

My brothers and I have had many years together now and have definitely had our ups and downs while we were young but now things are always good, always supportive and looking out for each other. Not that we were bitter enemies or never appreciated each other, we just had I think the typical brotherly fights. I often was the last to jump in a dogpile and at the end always the one on the bottom. Growing up as number four of six boys has been a reward and blessing but I didn't see it that way. I loved my brothers but I never fully appreciated them and understood what it meant for me to be their brother and them to be my brother.

It was a few years ago while I was at the beginning of my BYU studies that I began to realize what is meant to truly love and appreciate my family, particularly my brothers which I didn't always get along with. It was during a time that one of my older brothers who was particularly having a tough time and I was in Utah while he was in California. I was thinking a lot about him and one Sunday during church we sang the song, "Lord, I would Follow Thee," a classic song in the LDS hymnbook. The song speaks of following the Lord by helping others. The last two versus' struck out to me that had never before.

I would be my brother's keeper;

I would learn the healer's art.

To the wounded and the weary

I would show a gentle heart.

I would be my brother's keeper-

Lord, I would follow thee.

Savior, may I love my brother

As I know thou lovest me,

Find in thee my strength, my beacon, 

For thy servant I would be.

Savior, may I love my brother-

Lord, I would follow thee

As I sang these versus I began to cry realizing that yes, this song was referring to all of God's children to as "my brother" but this was much more personal, I am actually my brothers' keeper. I am to help them and ask for help to love them just as my Savior loves me. My brothers, at that moment, became not people I just grew up with, that I just so happen to share the same parents with but that these were my brothers, my family that I am sealed to for all eternity. I instantly gained a greater sense of love for my brothers and it changed my perspective on eternity, family, and happiness.

I would like to mention a little bit about what I appreciate for each of them.

Brian: My oldest brother, the righteous example to all of us younger in the family. He is solid in the gospel and firm with his knowledge of his purpose in life. Great father and husband to his family and great support to me for whenever I have random questions. He is very well rounded and uses his talents to bless others. I will always be grateful for the eldest child in a family because of his example.

Eric: My second oldest brother, the example of integrity and always having fun while doing it. He is I guess you can say the comic relief, that taught us all to have comic relief even during the darkest time. Even though he may be a bit goofy, he takes his purpose and calling in life serious. His family means everything to him and  I appreciate that example of what they mean to him. I will always be appreciative of his joy in life. 

Keith: My third oldest brother, the brother right above me and probably the one I have mot memories of doing things with. He is particularly strong with the adversary, he shows what true faith means. His example of integrity and do whatever it takes to get it done always inspires me. His love for his family and those around him are respectable. I can't express how grateful I am for his kindness to me from as early as I can remember. He is always the one to include in all activities when I am home, even if it means late nights playing the Wii. 

Kyle: My first younger brother, the Man among men. He has a humble and reverent heart. Always knowing what right from wrong is and following what is right. He was a young boy that I have seen to turn into a wonderful, faithful young man. He doesn't know it, but I have always looked up to him. I am grateful for his expressed excitement to spend time with me and to be excited for me to come home. 

Matt: My youngest brother, the hardworking and missionary spirited young brother. I am so grateful for his amazing ability to keep life simple and full of his joys. I admire his love to read. He has turned into a wonderful young boy that had great love for others into sharing the love for others through his missionary efforts as of recently. He inspires me to do more than what I thought I couldn't do. 

All of my brothers have been examples of being a missionary, working hard, putting on the good fight when it is tough, loving their parents, loving their wives and family, being sealed in the temple, and many many other things. I am grateful for their love and I pray that I would be their keeper, that I may love them as the Savior loves me. I am grateful to call them each my brother and I hope to be my brothers' keeper as I follow my Savior in keeping his commandments and serving His children.