Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Dario answered…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has no political affiliation, and remains neutral on political activity. As declared by the Church, its purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ, not to elect politicians, and this applies to all the nations were the Church is established. In the same way, the Church does not endorse nor promote political parties, and its members are not directed to vote for specific candidates. Elected officials who are also members of the Church, does not represent the Church's position.

However, the Church does encourages us, members of the Church, to play a responsible role as citizens of the nations, to be informed, and to exercise our right to vote. Also, we are expected to respect others who think different and to participate in dialogue and exchange of ideas to reach consensus.

In the Church, we learn since we are young to be responsible and to seek to serve our communities and families. The Church's programs aims to strength our capacity and willingness to serve others. In this same context, we support leaders and programs which purposes are to make a better world. I personally support leaders who inspire those principles, and pray that whoever is elected would make wise decisions for the welfare of our nations and those of others. To obey, honor, and sustain the law of our country is an important responsibility of every member of our church.

John Odell answered…

Of course the Church does not endorse political parties. Political parties do not represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But all the members of the Church are encouraged to participate in the political system and many have and do. We will be held responsible for our actions in the political arena just as we are in every other activity of our lives. I feel strongly that we have an obligation to support the Constitution of this land and that the Lord had a lot to do in its founding and in the freedoms that we receive from adhering to its principles. The Founding Fathers were inspired by God and we should be inspired by them. There are many criteria that we can use to choose political candidates but none are of more value than that recommended by modern scripture, namely, to search after honest and good men. I love our American Republic and our Constitution and try to support men or women who support the ideas and principles found in that document. According to the Declaration of Independence we receive our rights from our creator and must be ever aware that we do not turn our rights to the whims of men, however well meaning they may be. I am not a fan of political parties and consider myself a Constitutional conservative and very independent.

Emrol answered…

Members of the Church are encouraged to be actively involved in their communities. This involvement may even include political activity. The Church is made up members who hold differing political views, positions and opinions. While the Church will support any measure or position that will allow for the free practice of our religion, and the strengthening and supporting of families in general, it does not endorse any specific person involved in political activity, platform, or party.

Josh answered…

No. The church advocates principles and doctrine but does not endorse a certain political party or candidate. If you look in the United States Congress, you'll see members of the Mormon church sitting on both sides of the aisle from the current Senate Majority Leader to a 2008 presidential candidate.

However, the church is involved in the public arena when political initiatives intersect with principles of Christ's gospel. When this happens, the church will release a statement advocating certain principles and encouraging members to uphold these principles. This type of action often leads to confusion. Church support for an initiative for religious reasons should not be taken to imply support for a particular political party. These are two distinctly separate activities.

Dallin answered…

The Mormon Church does not endorse political parties. It does, however, strongly encourage political participation. We believe that one of God's greatest gifts to his children is the freedom to choose. With this gift comes the responsibility to do our part to make good choices. It is a great blessing to live in areas where we have the opportunity to vote for our leaders.

Steven answered…

No, but we are instructed to be involved and to seek spiritual guidance in all political matters.

We believe that the leaders of a nation, state, and community can have a great influence for good or for evil and we need to ensure that they are represent our values and beliefs.

Fred answered…

No. Our leaders have always operated from the concept that if we teach one another correct principles, we will then make correct choices and govern ourselves. The Church encourages each person to carefully consider every issue and each candidate and to prayfully seek guidance and then to vote responsibily. We are encouraged to be involved with our communities and nation but the Church does not take political positions or endorse parties or individuals.

Reece Johnson answered…

We are taught that it is important to be politically minded, while we are not told which party to endorse we are taught to exercise our right to vote.

Tyson answered…

The Church does not endorse political candidates or parties. Members are encouraged to take part in our civic duties. We are taught to obey the laws of the country in which we live.

Brett answered…

They don't they ask us to participate in elections and look for those candidates that best fit our values.

Ben answered…

No. Many of the values we live by can be found in any political party. Members of the church are urged to fully participate in political, governmental, and community affairs to be good citizens but are left to their own judgement in all matters.

Marla answered…

The Church does not endorse political parties or individuals within political parties, not even those individuals who are members of the Church. As individuals, we are encouraged to play an active role in our communities and to take part in the political process. At election time, we are encouraged to get to know the candidates to the best of our abilities, study the issues that are important to us and where each candidate seems to stand on them, and then vote for the individuals who we feel best represent the priorities and values most important to us.

Brian answered…

The simple answer is no. Many who are seeing the current I'm a Mormon campaign on TV and billboards believe that it is done because there are members of the church in the current run for president. This campaign has been going around the country since before any candidates threw their proverbial hats in the ring. The truth is that the church does not endorse any party or candidate. As members of the church we are encouraged to understand issues and know candidates and to vote how we feel with no influence from church leadership local, notional or worldwide.

Britty answered…

No. We are reminded to vote, but that is all, never recommended to vote for a certain thing.

Sterling answered…

A part of the Book of Mormon tells about how in ancient America, under the direction of a prophet, a government was set up allowing the people to elect representatives to lead them, much like we do today in the United States. The prophet said that it was common for the majority of the people to elect good people to lead them. However, when the time came that the majority elected an evil person as their leader, they would be ripe for destruction.

We take very seriously the responsibility laid before us in electing goo people to lead us. We need to make it a matter of prayer when we are deciding who we vote for. Which candidate will lead us closer to God? Which one will stand up for what is right, no matter the consequence? Who has the values of Christ? Hopefully, in electing such a person, we, as a nation, will be led to God. It is only when we choose God that we can be a blessed people.

No economic, social, immigration or defense plan will help us progress as a nation if we do not first come to God.

Even the Founding Fathers stated that this government, set up under the Constitution, would not function unless it were governing a moral people.

Hopefully you can see the importance of electing someone that will lead us to God.

Dennis answered…

No! I have and continue to vote for who I feel is the best candidate, across political parties and persuasions. I personally am politically moderate, and I am friends with many conservative, liberal, and moderate Mormons.

Rick answered…

No way, no how. The Church has ALWAYS encouraged individuals to deliberatively decide which political platform best represents their values and to vote for them.
I find great comfort in the fact that I'm a member of church that tolerates political diversity. As members, we may have political disagreements, but the Gospel is one point of common ground that we can find sanctuary in together.

Ken Konecki answered…

No, and I love that so much. The Church is political neutral, which is good, because politics change so much and there are great people in all parties.

Josh answered…

No. The mormon church endorses moral values. The church does, however, encourage its members to be active in the political process and to choose candidates for office who represent their values, regardless of race, religion, or other demographic.

Nathanael answered…

The Church has said this, "Principles compatible with the gospel are found in the platforms of all major political parties. While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs.”Principles compatible with the gospel are found in the platforms of all major political parties. While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs.” The Church does not endorse any party, but lets you choose and urges you to "participait in the political, governmental, and community affairs.” political, governmental, and community affairs.”

Dave answered…

No. There are prominent leaders in both the Republican and Democratic parties who are members of the Church, and probably in other parties as well. The Church encourages individuals to be active in public affairs, according to their own conscience and understanding of divine principles. We are encouraged to seek out and support honest and capable people to serve in elective office.

S. Ashcraft answered…

No. I actually serve as an election judge, and you see members of the church in both political parties. The church encourages us to be involved in our communities, but never tells us who to vote for.

David C answered…

No. We are counseled to vote for wise and good persons to administer the government.

Barrett answered…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not endorse a political party. The church does encourage our members to participate in the political process and exercise our right to vote. Before every major election the Church issues a statement encouraging all it's members to basically vote their conscience.

Wray answered…

No, the Church does not endorse parties. Parties are transient and prone to corruption of various sorts. The Church does endorse righteous political issues but for the most part, the Church is silent in the political realm. It is our responsibilities as members and citizens to work political things out.

John. answered…

The simple answer to this question is no. Church members are encouraged, however, to be active in matters that affect their cities, counties, states, and country. Probably the most glaring example of the Mormon Church not endorsing political parties would be the presence of Harry Reid - D and Orrin Hatch - R, whom both are US Senators and both are member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can't really get any further to the "left" or "right" than those two senators, yet they are both Mormons. If the Church endorsed political parties, than obviously one of these two men may be considered "wrong". Instead, I praise both men for being the type of men to care enough about their country to stand up for their own thoughts and principles about politics and this country. Politics is an integral part of our society, on both the national and local levels. I feel it is a privilege to be involved in politics, regardless of your political affiliation. 

Kelly answered…

No. The church does not endorse political parties. The church believes in free agency, and let's its members decide which political party to join on their own.

Hannah answered…

No the Mormon Church does not endorse political parties. When it comes times for elections of our government leaders, our church leaders encourage us to pray about the candidates that we feel would best run our country and rely on the holy ghost in making those choices.

Nick answered…

No. However, the Church encourages its members to participate in politics by voting and running for office. 

Carrie answered…

No, we vote for the best candidate for the job. We do not vote for someone just because they are Mormon. We are never told from our pulpits to vote for a particular person or to be affiliated with a particular party.

Steven  answered…

The Mormon Church does not endorse political parties or candidates. The Church does encourage us to be active in our communities and to be good examples of the Church and of Jesus Christ. It encourages us to be active in voting for those whose principles match our own as closely as possible but it is up to the members to pray about the candidates they think will do what is right and make that decision for themselves.

Tasanee answered…

No. The Church encourages all their member to be aware and active in voting and policies, but are not told how to vote or who to vote for, only to choose people who will lead in righteousness and to vote for laws that are just and righteous. On rare occasions the Church comes out and says that something is or is not in accordance with Christ's teachings.

Topher Prows answered…

Mormons are regular people. We have our own views on things, we can like what movies we like, we all have our own taste in music, and we all have different opinions on which political party we want to support.

I personally am a conservative republican. One of my good friends who is also a mormon is a liberal democrat.

Mitt Romney former Massachusets governor who is mormon is republican, Harry Reid Senate Majority Leader is a democrat.

Andrew answered…

No. The church has taught us to pray for guidance from our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Including how we vote. The church does not support any party and will not tell us how to vote.

Taylor answered…

The Church has made the following public statement on multiple occasions prior to major elections “Principles compatible with the gospel are found in the platforms of all major political parties. While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs.”

John David answered…

No, although we will stand as a voice for moral issues that can also happen to be political issues. (ie: abortion, marriage issues, etc)

Brynley answered…

The Mormon Church never endorses political parties, and it prohibits the use of Church buildings and telephone directories for political purposes. The Church encourages members to be educated about current events and issues and to be politically active, but it never dictates which party we should join. While the Church does occasionally speak out on moral issues that happen to be hot political topics, it always addresses the moral principle and never refers to the political parties which endorse or reject that principle. Mormon political views vary significantly and run the spectrum from liberal to conservative, as evidenced by such well-known LDS politicians as Democrat Harry Reid and Republican Mitt Romney.

Roy answered…

No, and this is something I enjoy. I am free to make my own decisions. I am able to vote for and support candidates that I feel will most strongly lead our nation.

John Charles answered…

No.. and we are frequently reminded that we do not. Our thirteenth article of faith states, "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. "

There is good and bad to all political ideologies, we should seek what is good and incorporate this into our lives, while rejecting those parts that are contrary to God's will. It is our job then, when we are blessed to be able to live in a place where we participate in free elections, to educate ourselves on each candidate's beliefs and agenda. Only then we canvote our conscience in a truly prayerful manner. Good men and women will not always arive at the same conclusion about how to vote , but we should respect them enough to trust that they want what is best as much as we do. There is no room for political bickering or marginalization among latter day saints.

Kristin answered…

The Church has made the following public statement on multiple occasions prior to major elections: “Principles compatible with the gospel are found in the platforms of all major political parties. While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs.”

I love voting and taking an active role in government. I appreciate being able to make my own choices and support those I fill are good candidates.

Jacob answered…

No and officers of the Church are instructed to avoid any activity that can be construed as an endorsement during political elections and campaigns. As individual members we are all politically involved and we don't all necessarily support the same causes and parties. I know I vote for a different political party than other Mormons I know.

Vicky Donelson answered…

The Mormon Church does not endorse any political party. We are free to vote for any person we feel is best for the job.

Joe answered…

I enjoy keeping up with current events, local and national politics. The Mormon church which I'm a part of does not endorse any political party or candidate. The church is neutral in all things political. The 12th Article of Faith of the Mormon church states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."  The most political statement I've ever heard in a Mormon chapel was a church leader asked his members to consider voting in the next election.

Cheryl answered…

 No! Many of my Mormon friends are conservative politically, but I am not. I am always grateful that I am encouraged by my church to vote my conscience. While we are not told who to vote for or how to vote, we are definitely told to VOTE! Making sure our voice is heard is very important because it is part of being a good citizen.

Scott answered…

No. While we believe strongly in being involved in the political process in our communities, states, and the nation, the church does not identify with, endorse, or in any way favor one political party over another. Church funds, facilities, rosters, etc are not used for political purposes.

Instead, the church teaches the correct principles found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encourages members to participate in the political process in such a way that is in harmony with the Gospel. Members are taught that they should study the issues and understand them in the context of the Gospel and act accordingly.

Dena Brett answered…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; politically neutral, strong on family values--not polygamous, free to choose liberal or conservative consequences.

Matthew answered…

No, the Mormon Church actually has more membership outside of the United States, and as such we come from a wide variety of political backgrounds. As far as a political party goes the Mormon church's official stance is neutral.

Bruce answered…

The Church reminds us each election season that it is good for its members to be involved in the political process, but that the Church itself does not endorse political parties or individual candidates.

Domingo answered…

The Church does not side with any political parties.Members are encouraged to vote according to their choice as to whom he or she believes would lead the nation better.

Todd answered…

No. And the church does not endorse particular candidates either. How we vote is up to each of us individually.

Michael answered…

In a word, no. Neither does the Church endorse any specific candidate or political platform in any election.

This is official Church policy and has been for a very long time.

The Church does "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."

You can visit this web page to see the Church's official policy on political neutrality, which is read aloud in Sunday services throughout the Church once each year:

www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/political-neutrality

If you would like more information about the political demographic among Mormons, I suggest the recent polling work done by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, as summarized here:

http://pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/A-Portrait-of-Mormons-in-the-US--Social-and-Political-Views.aspx#ideology

Irene answered…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse political parties, individual candidates, or platforms. Our doctrine instead teaches use to act and choose for ourselves after careful study and prayer. We are a people who believe heavily in the importance of freedom of choice and the power of prayer working in combination to help us understand what is right and act accordingly.

April answered…

We do not endorse any specific candidates or political parties. The members are encouraged to vote, as it is a civic duty and responsibility but to only do so after searching our information on all the candidates, prayerful consideration of where they stand and how their views align with our own. You will rarely, if ever, find any mention in our church of any political candidate or party affiliation and if you do, those statements would be from a member's own opinion and not a reflection on the church's teaching and definitely not in accordance with what we have been asked to do, which is to keep any talk of politics outside of church activities.

Carole answered…

No it does not. We are encouraged to study our options and get involved in the democratic process. But the choice is up to us.

Susie Robbins answered…

Nope. It's that simple. Every election year, in the United States, we usually get read a letter from the prophet reminding us to participate in the election process. That's all. We are also taught to be tolerant of people with different beliefs than ours, whether religious or political.

Have you ever heard of the Desiderata of Happiness? It's not a Mormon document or anything, but there's a line from it that I think fairly represents what Mormons are taught. It says, "Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others."

Having said all that, I should warn that there are places where the people living there are a pretty homogeneous group, just because of the culture. It would be easy to confuse the cultural leanings with religious beliefs. So this is a very good question. It's important to know that the leaders of the Church never endorse political parties or candidates, and anyone who says otherwise is probably mistaking what they think are church teachings with what are really cultural leanings.

Jonathan answered…

No, the Church believes in the separation of the government and religion. Especially our own. 

Jared answered…

Mormons love their country and freedoms, but the church does not endorse political parties.

T. Barton answered…

No. As members of our church, we are encouraged to use our Agency (freedom of choice, given to all by God), to study and choose which political party would be best for us and our families and to use our vote to try and make the world better.

Jonathan answered…

The Mormon Church does not endorse political parties or candidates for political office, and does not allow Church property to be used for political purposes. The Church rarely speaks out on specific political issues, as it has on same-sex marriage, abortion, and a few other issues. The Church encourages its members to be politically active. However, because the Church has not taken a stand on some political issues, and is officially neutral on others, Church members themselves may differ in their political beliefs, and in the political party or parties that they choose to support.

Cheryl answered…

Our church encourages us to be involved in our communities. We are encouraged to serve where ever we can do good. With regard to politics our church does not tell us how to vote or which parties to align ourselves with. It is important that good people are aligned with all of the political parties so that good things can happen in politics.

Pam Kebker answered…

 The Church does not take a position on political candidates or parties. The 11th Article of Faith states that as members of the Church, we are to follow the dictates of our own conscience and allow all others to do the same. In the United States you will find Mormons of all political persuations. However as members of the Church, we are encouraged to exercise our rights and responsibilites as citizens by voting, engaging in the political process, and assisting in worthy causes.

Grant answered…

The Church does not endorse any specific political party. The Church strongly encourages its members to be active participants and citizens in their communities and the political process to make the world a better place to live in. We need good people in government and politics.

Tom answered…

Though the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches how we should treat our fellow man, and gives us proper standards which we should live, both individually and as a community, the Church does not endorse political candidates, parties, or groups.

Dylan answered…

 The church does not endorse any particular political party but instead encourages its members to be involved, to be good citizens, to educate themselves, and to participate in the political process. If we don't agree with a particular principle we are expected to use political processes to try to bring about change and reform. I am so grateful for a church that encourages my free thinking, my independence, and a wide-variety of views and opinions. It doesn't tell me how to think or who to be but teaches me correct principles and then allows me to use my ability to choose to do what I think is right.

Reed answered…

No, the Church does not endorse specific political parties or candidates.

Not surprisingly, some political stances and philosophies are more in harmony with Church doctrine than others, and some are wholly incompatible with membership in the Church. Some, such as communism and other totalitarian collectivist forms of government that violate the fundamental principle of the agency of the individual, have been clearly condemned by Church leaders.

However, we are not told who to vote for, but are expected to conform under our own volition to Church doctrine in our political affiliations and decisions, just as in every other area of life.

The Church does, on rare occasion, become involved in political issues that are deemed to be of such a nature as to be potentially damaging to the work of the Church, to religious liberty, etc.

Robert answered…

No, in fact I love that our leaders go out of their way to periodically remind members that the church does not endorse specific candidates at any level, local, state or national. But we are encouraged to exercise our civic duty to vote for the candidates of our individual choice.

David answered…

No. Parties come and go. The Church encourages members to be good citizens and active in their community. You can find believing Mormons in most political parties.

Melanie answered…

No, the church does not endorse political parties. However they do encourage people to vote. I know many different members of this church who are in all the different political parties and vote according to their personal beliefs.

Josh answered…

I am a self confessing political hack! Despite my own partisan leaning, I know better than most that the mission of my church is not the mission of a partisan political party. However, personal faith and religious organizations can inform the values of each citizen and ought to help guide one to developing an informed opinion on government policy. Individuals and churches have the right to freedom of association and the right to speak out on matters important to their values especially when they become political questions. However, our Church remains strictly neutral as far as partisan political affiliation is concerned. I know great members of my church from every political party and I enjoy the diverse political opinions of my fellow saints with whom I share values and spiritual conviction. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in the business of saving souls by preaching the gospel of Christ the Redeemer not electing candidates for office in the halls of earthly government. Saints should feel strongly about participating in both but should not let the partisan issues of the day overshadow the daily issues of eternal significance.

Michael answered…

The Church does not support any one particular political party. It is true that most church members tend to be more conservative, but that is not due to any policies of the Church. What the Church does endorse is choosing political leaders and supporting legislature that is compatible with the gospel principles, regardless of the party.

Mauro answered…

No. The church does not endorse any political parties. The church does whoever, encourage it's church members to participate in goverment and cumminty elections. The Church ergues us to study the candidates and make an informed decision.

Abrahm answered…

No. In fact, my father is a republican and my father-in-law is a democrat. Both are members of the Church.

Daniel Thomas answered…

The Mormon Church does not endorse political parties. There are however, core values and principles in the church that political parties will make part of their platform (e.g. the importance of family). We are encouraged by our leaders to learn about and participate in our communities but local or general leaders of the Church never endorse a candidate or party. Over the 27 years in church I have never heard a member of leadership tell anyone to vote for a particular party or individual - leaders are counseled never to do so.
Where there is a proposition or law that go against our beliefs, Mormons will tend to be opposed (e.g. Marriage as a union between husband and wife, the family is ordained of God, opposition to pornography, drug abuse, etc.). I do not vote by party and study out the values and principles of each candidate running for office. I wish that the US was not bipartisan as it would encourage people to learn more about a candidate rather than voting strictly by party.
There is a lot of criticism in the world about political parties and it concerns me that so many will speak ill of a leader primarily because of the party he belongs to rather than his actions.

Blaino answered…

The LDS church doesn't endorse any political party or candidate, even if a candidate is LDS. This falls in line with the teachings of Joseph Smith, the church's founder and prophet, who counseled that people should be taught correct principles and allowed to govern themselves.

Ace answered…

It is easy to think that the Church endorses specific candidates or political parties, since several of the Church's positions on certain social issues tend to be supported by one political party. However, the Church is made up of people with different backgrounds and political ideals. I appreciate the official position of the Church in this regard.

Ashley answered…

We are encouraged by church leaders to prayerfully study all we can about political matters and vote for who/what we feel the Lord feels is best. We are not urged one way or another by the church or it's leadership.

Jennifer Beth answered…

No. The Church encourages members to be politically active, but doesn't endorse any specific party or canidate.

Michael Ray answered…

No.

Mac answered…

I'm a convert, so my answer is based upon my observations. The church DOES NOT endorse political parties, but it does make a stand on certain issues in the public arena such as the family, morality, homosexuality and so forth. Other than that I've observed no involvement by the church in political affairs other than to encourage us members to get involved. I guess the idea is the old, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

My guess is that there are far more Republicans than Democrats, but there are no figures discussed or published by the church (or any other group that I know of). The church pushes personal responsibility for one's life. There is church welfare given out, but it's a short-term safety net only and people are told to look to themselves and their families to help them through tough times. That's more the conservative view of Republicans. Democrats seem to favor handouts and longer-term assistance, even generations on welfare, that I believe the church views as hurting rather than helping people. People become dependant on handouts and think it's a "Right." That's why I think the church members lean conservative and Republican more than Democrat.

Patrick C. answered…

Although many members of The Church tend to be conservative in their political views The Church does not endorse any political party, ideology, or political lobbying group. Members of The Church are encouraged to be politically active and vote for good honest people to represent their personal views. Most Mormons are influenced in all aspects of their life by the teachings of Jesus Christ and that tends to affect of how they feel about politics and political issues. From time to time, when the leaders of The Church feel their is an issue that could directly affect The Church they will make an official Church stance on an issue. This is not very common though and The Church is most commonly politically neutral even on specific issues.

Kortni answered…

 No, it sometimes takes a position on moral issues but it does not endorse a political party or candidate. In my 26 years as a member of the church I've never even heard the church leaders mention political parties.

Jenn answered…

No, the Church does not endorse political parties. Politics and the LDS Church are completely separate entities. Yes, the Church may make a moral statement about a controversial issue, but the Church does not tell us who we should or should not vote for. Our beliefs definitely influence our choices in the political arena - they do for everyone. The thing is that we will not always agree with everyone in our church all the time.

There are faithful members of the Church on both sides of political issues. Sometimes, we, as imperfect humans, can get involved in arguments, name-calling, and contention, but this is not of God. I believe it is important for all members to remember that we all come from different backgrounds, have different beliefs on certain issues, and we are all here to learn from each other. I'm grateful to be a member of a church that constantly reminds us of this.

Mr. Martineau answered…

The Church does not endorse political parties or candidates. The Church endorses truth and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Church does encourage its members to be politically active and to seek to elect good, wise, and honest leaders. The Church encourages members to be active in protecting freedoms and rights and in meeting our own responsibilities and civic obligations. Political parties change their views and may or may not be on the Lord's side on various issues. We prefer to be on the Lord's side. The Lord will hold us accountable for how we administer our Governments.

Chelsea answered…

No. One of the things that helps me stay strong when I feel like my political or personal beliefs are different from the typical conservative religious stereotype is that the foundation of Mormonism is built on deep respect and encouragement of personal revelation. This is the idea that God knows and loves you and, therefore, wants to inspire, guide, and direct your life. Through sincere prayer we can seek out answers to life's many questions-- be it political, personal, or professional.

Sergio answered…

No. We are encourgaed to become informed on the many politcal issues of our time and vote for candidates who most closely represent our values. The Church has never endorsed a specific polital party or view.

Greg answered…

The Church does not endorse Political Parties or candidates for office and generally does not voice opinions on Political issues. Our members come from many different countries, backgrounds, and beliefs. The Church encourages its members to be involved politically in their individual communities. While the Church does voice opinions an a few matters it considers vital to the welfare of humanity, on the whole, it stays separated from the Political process.

Carrie answered…

No, the church encourages everyone to vote but does not tell anyone to vote for a specific person or political party.

Martha answered…

No, we are free to choose whichever political party we feel is best. However, we are encouraged to research political stances and issues to educate ourselves. We can then vote & support those whose agendas are closest to the teachings of God and keeping our country free and strong. We are also encouraged to be good citizens and uphold the laws of the land.

Kristina answered…

No. The church encourages people wherever they live to uphold wholesome, uplifiting values as taught by Jesus Christ. We are encouraged to actively participate in politcal, government, and community affairs in order to make a praisworthy contribution to our fellowmen.

Dan answered…

 Most people associate the Church with the Republican Party in the United States because the Church triumphs some of the same conservative values, but the Church strongly maintains its neutrality in political contests. The Church encourages its members to be actively involved in civil discussions, but when it comes down to it, each of us is supposed to vote according to our conscience and our belief in who will help the government preserve the strength of our society. I have voted for candidates of both parties, and I try to move past the politics and look for the best solutions to the world's problems.

Abbey answered…

No. The church does not endorse political parties. The church believes in free agency, and let's its members decide which political party to join on their own.

Drew answered…

No. The beautiful part of God's plan of happiness for his children is that he has given us all agency. We all have the agency to choose for whom we vote, and the church has chosen not make any official partisan endorsement.

Fred answered…

Nope, every year from the pulpit the Church asks me to read a directive that we do not discuss politics on the church grounds. We will sometimes endorse or oppose something in the public arena, but each member will examine their conscience and act as they chose. I have close friends in the church who belong to both major political parties, and there are good members of the church serving in congress from both major parties. So it has always been, and so it will likely continue.

John answered…

I'm happy to belong to a Church that does not endorse political parties or candidates. While there are some moral issues that the Church takes a public position on, it is a relief to belong to a Church that does not conflate politics and religion.

Deryn answered…

The church does not endorse, promote or align with any political party. Members are encouraged to get involved with community work and to take part in democratic elections. They are counselled to pray about their decision of who to vote for. Members are allowed to support any political party. It is only where a political party stands for those principles or ideas contrary to the gospel where members are counselled not to support those parties.

Will answered…

the church does not pick sides in political parties. but if you want to be honest- just like the lds church is the only true church, republicans are the only right party.

Keith answered…

The Church does not endorse political parties or candidates. However, you will find many members actively engaged in political activities for many candidates, platform and parties because we believe strongly in being involved at making our communities a better place for our families and children.

Marcus answered…

No. We believe in teaching corret principles, and letting man govern himself.
As members, we paticipate in political activies. But only as concernded citizens, not as memebers of the church.

Dana & Ty answered…

I obtained a degree in Political Science, and have always been grateful that the Church has allowed us to choose our own Political Candidates, as well as promotes it's member to be politically active. We are encouraged to educate ourselves on all candidates and their platforms so that we will be able to make educated decisions during the voting process.

Steve answered…

No. Members of the church are encouraged to be active in political affairs. There have been several prominent political figures in the church. Strong members serve on both sides of the aisle--Democrat and Republican.

Many members of the church are conservative in their political views. However, I view myself as being fairly liberal.

The church, especially the leadership, does not discourage a wide assortment of political views.