An
Official Statement on Political, Governmental, and Community Affairs
In a letter to General Authorities and local
leaders in the United States, the First Presidency
encouraged members of the Church to be ``full participants in political, governmental and
community affairs.
D&C 134
A declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general adopted
by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church held at Kirtland, Ohio, August 17,
1835. (This declaration is considered scripture by the Church.)
The
Proper Role of Government
President Ezra Taft Benson defines the proper role of
government in the lives of citizens.
Civic
Duties
"Latter-day Saint teachings emphasize many aspects of civic duty,
including responsible self-government; an informed, public-spirited citizenry; and
obedience to law." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Church
and State
"Latter-day Saints believe that
the separation of church and state is essential in modern societies prior to the
Millennium. LDS scriptures teach that civic laws should not interfere with religious
practices, nor should religious institutions manipulate governments to their
advantage." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Diplomatic
Relations
"...the diplomatic contacts of the Church with the governments of the
world have been aimed mostly at securing legal recognition for the Church and freedom for
its members to preach the gospel to others, meet together for religious worship, and live
according to their religious precepts." Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Political
Teachings
"Concerning the general duties of government and citizen, latter-day
scriptures and the prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach that
governments should protect freedoms and provide for the public interest and that citizens
should honor and uphold laws and governments." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
Political History
A brief overview of LDS political history in the United
States.
Political Culture
A discussion of LDS political culture.
Contemporary American Politics
"Latter-day Saints are an integral part of the politics
of the intermountain West of the United States." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
The Council of
Fifty
"The Council of Fifty, a council formed in Nauvoo in 1844, provided a
pattern of political government under priesthood and revelation. It was, to its members,
the nucleus or focus of God's latter-day kingdom." Encyclopedia of
Mormonism
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