The following is excerpted from the Church News. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has addressed political participation, voting and the political neutrality of the Church in a June 1 letter that is being read to Latter-day Saints in the United States in their ward and branch sacrament meetings.
On the same day the letter was sent to general authorities as well as Area Seventies; stake, mission, district and temple presidencies; and bishoprics and branch presidencies in the United States, the Church’s “Political Neutrality” topic page on ChurchofJesusChrist.org was updated and expanded.
“Participation” was added to the “Political Neutrality” page’s title, which is highlighted at the start of subject line of the June 1 First Presidency letter.
“Participation in the political process affects their [U.S. citizens’] communities and nations today and in the future,” says the letter, signed by President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring.
As in previous First Presidency letters, the latest directive reemphasizes the Church’s political neutrality and its encouragement for members to vote and participate in civic affairs. It also underscores the importance to be informed about issues and candidates and that some principles compatible with the gospel can be found in various political parties and platforms.
The letter also encourages members to study candidates carefully and to vote for those demonstrating integrity, compassion and service to others — regardless of party affiliation.
“Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on ‘tradition’ without careful study of the candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards,” the letter states, citing Doctrine and Covenants 98:10 and adding that information on candidates is available through the internet, debates and other sources.
To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
