Michael Otterson is the manager of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Washington Post’s On Faith blog has posted this entry from Michael Otterson:
In all of the media analysis and dissection of the Glenn Beck rally in Washington last weekend, and in particular his membership in the Mormon faith, there has been one conspicuous oversight.
To be sure, Glenn Beck was accompanied by an impressive array of interfaith leaders – Catholics, Jews and evangelicals who, despite theological differences – appeared on the same stage as Beck because his message of restoring honor and returning to faith in God struck such a strong chord with them.
But leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were not officially represented at the Lincoln Memorial event, however. Why not – especially since the Church respects the right of all faiths to raise their voice in the public square?
Otterson explains that the Church has a strict policy of political neutrality, and as such, even though the rally was billed as nonpolitical, it was not the place where Church officials ‘would feel comfortable” given that stance.
However, in the same policy that the Church defines its political neutrality, it also urges individual members to be active and responsible persons in the political process. Otterson explains:
In that sense, Glenn Beck was doing what every Church member is encouraged by the Church to do – make their voice heard. The fact that Beck has a huge megaphone doesn’t change the principle. Mormons obviously are free to express whatever views of good government that they care to espouse, and many of them do. Their views may of course be influenced by their faith and values, but they speak as individuals, not as Church spokesmen. They may also disagree with each other. Since the same church embraces Senator Harry Reid, Governor Mitt Romney and Glenn Beck – all active members – that shouldn’t even need saying.
One of the reasons why many seem transfixed by the fact that Glenn Beck is a Mormon is, I believe, reflective of an outdated yet deeply entrenched tendency to stereotype Mormons. If the only Mormons you’ve ever met are two young men on your door step wearing suits, ties and white shirts, that may be understandable. But there are six million Latter-day Saints now in the United States (about the same number as Jews), and another eight million worldwide, and they represent a growing cross section of ethnicity, demographics, cultural experiences, professions and attitudes. They are not obliged to think and act in lockstep.
Read this important blog entry which clarifies the LDS Church’s position here.
