SALT LAKE CITY - In lieu of all of the publicity turned toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency has reminded top leaders who are engaged in Church business on a full-time basis and their spouses must not participate in political campaigns, including financially or through endorsements. The Church does allow members who work for the Church or hold part-time leadership positions to participate, but are reminded they do so as individuals, and do not represent the Church.
In a June 16 letter sent to the highest officers of the Church, including general authorities, general auxiliary leaders, and mission and temple presidents, President Thomas S. Monson and his senior counselors reminded lay leaders with full-time responsibilities and their spouses should not promote, fund raise, endorse, donate to, or speak on behalf of candidates. The policy of political neutrality also bans the use of church buildings or church-generated information for political purposes. It also asks that candidates not suggest they have the support of the Church.
A great deal of attention has been focused on the Church due to the presidential campaigns of members Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman, Jr. The Church has also been in the national spotlight after the “Book of Mormon” musical opened on Broadway and won multiple Tony Awards. Politically, the Church has been more active locally, with endorsements supporting recent immigration legislation providing for a guest-worker program and the Utah Compact. The Church also used its considerable political muscle in the passage of Proposition 8 in California in 2006 banning same-sex marriage.
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Source: The Spectrum, Salt Lake Tribune, ABC4 News, Associated Press
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