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. 

Pornography Harms

About a month ago in our ward's Elders Quorum we taught a lesson on Pornography. It was I guess you can say your normal "Pornography" lesson at church--why we need to abstain from it, the effects it has on you now and with a future spouse. All of which are very good reasons why we should not. A member of the stake presidency told me that probably at least 3/10's of priesthood holders are addicted to pornography in one way or another. That is just too much. So I thought I'd share two things I shared with the quorum.
1) Elder Holland's Mormon Message, "Watch Your Step"
2) Quotes from the sisters from the ward's relief society. I sent out a mass email to the sisters of the ward asking for their opinions and feelings about pornography that will help the elders to do be strong or stronger with this area of temptation. They are anonymous entrees. These quotes seemed to help the elders realize that there are sisters in their own ward that care about them and are encouraging them to be strong, valiant faithful priesthood holders of which they should be.

I know that anyone can overcome the addiction of pornography through the atonement of Jesus Christ. We do all that we can and ask the Lord to help us the rest of the way.

Quotes From The Sisters On Pornography

1. Advice is to set goals and resolve not to allow yourself to view pornography. Also, keep a picture of the Savior or the temple, or something like that by your computer. It really does help! If it pops up on the computer--turn it off. Run! Don't hesitate. If you are into pornography. think about your future. Think about the possible outcomes. Talk to a priesthood leader. It is hard, but the prize is worth it.

2. Pornography, to me is more than addiction. It is a vile disease that will eat you up. It is one of Satan's strongest tactics because it truly disintegrates the family and that is the biggest strength we can have. It takes away agency and leaves one alone--never satisfied and a skewed sense of relationships.

3. One of my very best friends back home has been hurt so much because her dad got into pornography which eventually caused her parents to get their temple sealing cancelled. It had been going on for years, and had only gotten worse because he hadn't gotten any help in overcoming it. He has since cleaned up his act somewhat and is now married to another woman, but the HARDEST thing in the world for me has been seeing how her trust for men just disappeared. Her own father, who is supposed to be a worthy priesthood holder, betrayed the trust that she had inherently put in him for as long as she knew. Dating has even been difficult because she's afraid to trust even the people who truly love her and won't hurt her. She has a little brother approaching Deacon age. He desperately needs a good example and I hope he will be able to learn from his grandpa, faithful home teachers, and other church leaders. But he should be able to learn that from his own father.

Most of all, I want her to know that someday when she gets married, there WILL be a wonderful man that will love and respect her, someone who she can trust with all of her heart. I want her to know that not all men are like that, even though the person who was supposed to be an example decided to give in to an extremely selfish desire -- one that cost him his family and left them trying to rebuild from the ashes.

4. Please, think of your future families. It affects so many more people than just you. They need to be able to TRUST you. And if pornography will hurt them, it will definitely hurt you too. There are way too many wonderful, righteous desires we can pursue in our lives to get hung up on something as stupid and selfish as pornography. Do not tolerate ANYTHING like unto it. Get away from it if you ever encounter it. Get help if you need it -- the sooner you take care of it, the less it will hurt, and remember the power of the Savior's atonement to help you become clean.

5. To those of you who have the COURAGE to turn off a movie or song, who walk out of the theater -- or better yet, not go in the first place -- you have my greatest thanks and admiration. That's what REAL strength is. Thank you. Please help your friends to do the same, and keep up the good work. I pray God will bless you in staying clean from the stains of the world. You CAN do it, and the Lord will always help you.

6. I would advise against pornography because it ruins your life and your ability to have a normal relationship.  It's one of those things that gets in your head and never leaves.  It's like a drug, just once is too much.

7.  I know a girl from home who is twice divorced because her husbands both had issues with pornography.  She is a wonderful person who deserves to be loved for who she is and it saddens me to see such a disgusting thing get in the way and ruin a sacred temple marriage. As women we want to be loved for who we are and not what we are. No one deserves to be treated as an object. If you want to be truly happy for the rest of eternity, stay away from nasty pornography and stick with good wholesome worthy temple marriage. You'll be glad you did.

8. Well, this is a pretty intense topic and I know it seems like we hear about it a lot, but the more of the world that I have seen, the more I understand how important it is to continually talk about this.  In short, pornography is one of the easiest tools for Satan to use because it seems so harmless at first.  It just seems like one picture, but that can become so addicting and can lead to worse things.  It would be hard to believe that such a horrible thing such as abuse or an affair could start with a pornography addiction.  It is a real danger and something that is threatening families everywhere.

9. I remember that we had a lesson one time in Relief Society about pornography and how it affects so many men in our society.  They told us that we need to be careful and we need to know about these problems if our boyfriends or husbands have had them in the past.  They told us to ask the people that we are dating if they have had issues with this in the past so that we can be there to help them if they have another problem.  I really went home and asked my boyfriend if he had ever had a problem with it in his life.  It may seem extreme, but I just feel like it is easier to tell your girlfriend about a potential problem that tries to work through the problems it has caused in your relationship later.  I know that it is something that ruins families and I do not want it to ruin mine so I will do what I have to in order to avoid it, meaning that I will offer all the love and support I can.

10. I've learned a lot about pornography within the last month or so because of people I know of who have admitted to struggling with an addiction for years. I think it's so important for the boys to know that if they do have an addiction they need psychological help. I've learned that it changes the chemicals within the brain making it almost impossible to get completely over it without psychological help. There's an awesome support group that I believe the church hosts that meets once a week at different places all over the valley. There's one just off campus that I know of. Moms, Dads, girlfriends, siblings, friends, etc can totally go with them as support too and learn for themselves about what a serious problem this is. Building a support group makes such a difference!

11. The boys need to realize that this does not make them lesser men. I think that those of them that may be struggling with an addiction would be shocked to find out how many others are struggling alongside them. I love my boys, especially those who are struggling and seeking help. It breaks my heart that you guys have to face this sort of thing. I strongly believe that having this addiction and overcoming it will only create better and stronger men for the future. They will become better church leaders, fathers, and patriarchs. This was definitely more than a sentence, but I feel very strongly about this subject. One last thing - everyone takes the attack from a "scare" approach. What I mean is that teachers use "scare tactics" by telling guys that if they look at pornography THEN they'll become rapists, sex addicts, drug addicts, etc. So what about the good guys who are struggling with this addiction? What hope do they have if they think people will only think of them as scum? We don't think of them as scum. We love them and want to help support them.

12.  I think the biggest thing for guys stuck in this situation- between being addicted and being free- is for them to realize that they aren't worthless and disgusting. It was so hard for me to see him berating himself and being so angry at himself that he didn't love himself at all- he felt like the scum of the earth. Sure, pornography is a horrible addiction, but it does NOT deprive anyone from the Savior's love. There is always a chance to pivot- to do a complete 180, stopping the bad direction, and pursuing the righteous path.

13. Guys know how girls are- we cry when we're happy, and we cry when we're sad. Some of us are pretty insecure, and small things can drop our opinion of ourselves. Well, picture a situation in which you have to tell your girlfriend or wife that you are addicted to pornography. To a woman, she will feel like you love the pornography more than her; that you think it is more beautiful than she is. (And I say "it" because pornography is not "real people," if you get my meaning. Pornography is a sick way to destroy the pure love and unity of man and wife.) When you find your woman and get married, you want to see only her, and God, in the relationship. There is no tangent line to the triangle. Don't let pornography be a tangent. It destroys, and never builds. Repentance is possible, and though it may not be easy, it's worth it. Heavenly Father sent us here and only gave us trials we can handle. With God, nothing is impossible.

14. Anyone struggling with that addiction just has to decide before hand to get whatever is tempting them out of the picture completely! Maybe that even means that every time they use their laptop, if they know that they might be tempted, if they are by themselves, then go into a room with people in it that will not be so private. They can find something to replace the lustful thoughts. Maybe they can find websites that are a good substitute for turning off the addiction. Maybe every time they get the urge to view, they can turn to mormon.org instead, or lds.org...and just get re-focused. Doing these things over time, consistently and diligently will dampen and ultimately bury those addictions. Of course, all the while praying without ceasing for help to conquer the addiction at hand.

15. Obviously pornography is bad. Can you imagine looking at it with your mother in the room? Christ? Anyone? Even if Satan was in there watching with you, you would be embarrassed because you gave in to his will and lowered your standards.

16. My grandfather viewed pornography. Although it may seem harmless, it eventually led him to drinking, participating in other behavior and he became an alcoholic. I never knew my grandpa sober- and even as a little girl I could see the disrespectful way he treated my grandmother. My grandmother could no longer take the abuse so at age 75, she separated from her husband of many years. My grandpa did not see the effects his selfish behavior had on anyone else because he was to busy with his own pleasures, it finally took him losing everything he had to come back to his senses, and now he is full of sorrow and regrets, wishing he could take back 50 years of his life. My mom, and aunts were also affected by his selfishness even us grandchildren. I was not important to my grandpa, until recently. Please please, stay away from this evil addiction as no good whatsoever will come of it. Families will be ruined.
Why it is bad, the effects

17. To continue with the thought of being fulfilled, I learned from my marriage prep teacher that sex is not a need, but a means to an end. The need we all have is to feel love and belonging. Pornography may seem a suitable medication at the time, but it will not ever fulfill that need. Trapping yourself in this addiction prevents you and whomever you decided to marry from having a fully healthy sexual relationship until you undo the unhealthy conditioning you have towards this media. I do feel that freedom IS possible though, through the Atonement and hard work in absence of denial.

If you have gotten into this heartbreaking pattern, recognize that it does NOT make you evil. If you pray to God and ask Him if He loves you, He WILL answer! He is there even when you pull away. He will help you.

18. Pornography breaks hearts, your own and the hearts of those you love. If you think that you aren't hurting anyone else, that is denial. But the reason these people hurt is because they love you. They want to you to succeed and feel fulfilled. I hope that you would pray about who in your life needs to know about your struggle so that they can be God's angels to help you. I am sure the Bishop will be just one of those.

For further information on it, look at my friends blog, she has made two specific posts on the subject. They are very good. 
Yes, I said it. Pornography
Porn Addiction: Let's Get Real About It

"God is the Gardner" Selection - Hugh B. Brown

Selection from Hugh B. Brown's "God is the Gardner"

Sixty odd years ago I was on a farm in Canada. I had purchased this from another who had been somewhat careless in keeping it up. And I went out one morning and found a currant bush at least six feet high. I knew that it was going all to wood. There was no sign of blossom or fruit. I had had some experience in pruning trees before we left Salt Lake to go to Canada, as my father had a fruit farm. I got my pruning sheers and went to work on that currant bush. And I clipped it, and cut it, and cut it down, until there was nothing left but a little clump of stumps.

As I looked at them, I yielded to an impulse which I often have, to talk with inanimate things, and have them talk to me. It’s a ridiculous habit, but one I can’t overcome. As I looked at this little clump of stumps, there seemed to be a tear on each one. And I said, “What’s the matter, currant bush? What are you crying about?” And I thought I heard that currant bush speak. It seemed to say, “How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as large as the fruit tree and the shade tree. And now you’ve cut me down. And all in the garden will look upon me with contempt and pity. How could you do it? I thought you were the gardener here?”

I thought I heard that from the currant bush. I thought it so much that I answered it. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here. And I know what I want you to be. If I let you go the way you want to go, you’ll never amount to anything. But someday, when you’re laden with fruit, you’re going to think back and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down; for loving me enough to hurt me.’”

Ten years passed and I found myself in Europe. I had made some progress in the First World War in the Canadian Army, in fact I was a field officer. There was only one man between me and the rank of General, which I cherished in my heart for years. And then he became a casualty. And the day after I received a telegraph from London from General Turner in charge of all Canadian officers. He said, “Be in my office tomorrow morning at ten o’clock.” I puffed up. I called my special servant, they call them batmen over there. I said, “Polish my boots and my buttons. Make me look like a General, because I’m going up tomorrow to be appointed. He did the best he could with what he had to work on, and I went to London.

I walked into the office of the General, I saluted him smartly, and he replied to my salute as higher officers usually do to juniors, sort of a ‘get out of the way, worm.’ Then he said, “Sit down, Brown.” I was deflated. I sat down. And he said, “Brown, you’re entitled to this promotion, but I cannot make it. You have qualified, passed the regulations, you have had the experience. You’re entitled to it in every way but I can’t make this appointment.” Just then he went in to the other room to answer a phone call and I did what most every officer or man in the army would do under those circumstances: I looked over on his desk to see what my personal history sheet showed. And I saw on the bottom of that history sheet in large capital letters, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” Now at that time we were hated heartily in Britain. And I knew why he couldn’t make the appointment. Finally he came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him less heartily than before and went out.

On my way back to Shorncliff 120 miles away, I thought every turn of the wheel or crack across the rails was saying, “You’re a failure. You must go home and be called a coward by those who do not understand.” And bitterness rose in my heart until when I arrived finally in my tent, I threw rather vigorously my cap on the cot together with my Sam Brown belt. I clenched my fist and I shook it at heaven. And I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything that I knew how to do to hold the standards of the Church. I was making such wonderful growth, and now you’ve cut me down. How could you do it?”

Then I heard a voice. It sounded like my own voice. And the voice said, “I’m the Gardener here. I know what I want you to be. If I let you go the way you want to go you’ll never amount to anything. And someday, when you are ripened in life, you’re going to shout back across time and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down; for loving me enough to hurt me.’”

With those words which I recognized now as my words to the currant bush, which had become God’s word to me, I fell to my knees and prayed for forgiveness for my arrogance and my ambition. As I was praying there, I heard some Mormon boys in an adjoining tent singing the closing number of an MIA session, which I usually attended with them. And I recognized these words which all of you have memorized:

It may not be at the mountain peeks

Or over the storming sea,

It may not be at the battle front

That my Lord will have need of me.

But trusting my all in thy tender care,

And knowing thou lovest me

I’ll do thy will with a heart sincere.

I’ll be what you want me to be.

            My young friends and brothers and sisters, will you remember that little experience which changed my whole life? Where the Gardner took control and did for me what was best for me. For if I had gone the way I wanted to go I would have returned to Canada as the senior commanding officer of western Canada. I would have raised my family in a barracks. My six daughters would have had little chance to marry in the Church. I myself would probably have gone down and down. I do not know what might have happened. But this I know, and this I say to you, and to him in your presence: looking back over sixty years, “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down.”

What Is Deep Practice?

As I was cleaning my cluttered desk off so I could write some checks for my enormous bills, I found this marvelous hand written list from my Euphonium coach that he gave me years ago. I strongly believe in the principles and their ability to be applied to all aspects. As I study Arabic, I wish there were an easier way. I think this list may make it easier as I apply these principles.


What Is Deep Practice?
1. It's designed to specifically improve a person's own performance. Usually a teacher or coach is involved.

2. It can be repeated over and over but not sloppily or mindlessly

3. It must be scheduled into the day and planned out ahead of time (no "spur of the moment" or "I'll do it when I feel like it" stuff!).

4. There's feedback on how you're doing - lesson, video or audio record yourself  practicing.

5. It is highly mentally and/or physically demanding. It's not for "sissies."

6. It must be done on a regular daily basis with appropriate breaks built in.

7. It must be broken into small chunks which are thoroughly learned and then strung together to see or get "the whole picture."

8. It isn't very entertaining BUT the payoffs are enormous

9. You must make mistakes and correct them immediately to grow and progress.

10. It requires you to stretch and reach high but not to set goals that are currently out of your reach!

11. Natural talent can be a help, but any person of any ability level can become very successful in any area by using these principles!!!

Dr. Steve Call, Tuba/Euphonium Professor at Brigham Young University