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Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?
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.”
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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. Show more Show less
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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 many political issues, and is officially neutral on others, Church members themselves may differ in their political opinions, and in the political party or parties that they choose to support. Show more Show less
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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. Show more Show less
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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. Show more Show less
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Ian answered...
I wish I could answer all of these questions! I picked this one because it seems that the relationship between churches and the government has been in the news constantly over the last few years. The short answer: no, the Church does not endorse individual political parties. The Church is a worldwide church with members in 176 countries and territories, and no political party in any of those countries matches the vision of the church for the world. Members are counseled to be good citizens everywhere and participate in the political process to the extent they are able to do so. In the United States, the Church doesn't take a stand between the two major parties. Once in a while it does, however, exercise the right of free speech to take a stand on specific issues. We believe very strongly in the democratic process, and organizations should be able to stand up and say what they believe in regardless of where they are on the political spectrum. Just as I would expect an environmental nonprofit or a human rights organization to speak out, I expect churches everywhere to stand in favor of values that benefit us individually and as a society. Show more Show less
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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. Show more Show less
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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. Show more Show less
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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. Show more Show less
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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. Show more Show less
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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. Show more Show less
