The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter in English and Spanish to members of the Church this morning. It was signed by Presidents Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, and Henry B. Eyring. I was a little surprised when I saw the letter, even though I know that they regularly send out a letter at election time. Maybe I read more into the letter than what is written, and maybe my surprise came because President Dallin H. Oaks spoke about politics in General Conference address on Saturday.
President Oaks reminded his
listeners that one of our articles of faith is about politics. The articles of
our faith were written by the Prophet Joseph Smith after early members of our
church were persecuted by officials in Missouri. President Oaks quoted the
following article of faith: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents,
rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law”
(Articles of Faith 1:12). He then enlarged upon it.
This does not mean that we agree with all
that is done with the force of law. It means that we obey the current law and
use peaceful means to change it. It also means that we peacefully accept the
results of elections. We will not participate in the violence threatened by
those disappointed with the outcome. In a democratic society we always have the
opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election (“Love Your Enemies,” October 2020).
This statement by President Oaks clearly
says that the riots after the last election were not acceptable for members of
the Church of Jesus Christ. It also tells us that we should work to change any
law that we do not like. As a last resort, we can make our voices heard in an
election.
The letter from the First Presidency
urged American citizens to vote in the November 2020 election. It noted that “principles
compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties, and
members should seek candidates who best embody those principles.” I must say
that some political parties have more “compatible principles” than others.
The wording of the first paragraph
in the letter caused me to reflect on things people have said and/or
insinuated. Maybe the wording is the same as in previous letters, but it had a
different meaning for me. The first thing the letter says is that citizens of
the United States have a “privilege and duty” to vote because it is by voting
that we elect people to office and influence the public policy of our municipalities,
states, and nation.
Citizens of the United States have the
privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy.
Participation in the political process affects their communities and nation
today and in the future. We urge Latter-day Saints to be active citizens by
registering, exercising their right to vote, and engaging in civic affairs.
The letter continued by encouraging Latter-day
Saints to study the issues and
candidates and to be informed voters. I
could not help but wonder if the Brethren have heard or read some of the
comments that I have heard and read by good members of the Church who are trying
to decide to vote for Biden or not vote at all.
The
letter also affirms that the Church of Jesus Christ maintains its political
neutrality toward parties or candidates. However, it urges members to be active
in the political process and to demonstrate “Christlike love and civility in
political discourse.”
I
agree that it is the patriotic duty of all Americans to participate in the
political process. I encourage every American to study the issues and
candidates and vote your conscience. There are those that claim that they are
tired of “voting for the lesser of two evils” and threaten to vote third party.
However, I encourage all such people to change their thinking and “vote for the
best candidate that can win.” I, of course, believe that President Donald Trump
is the best presidential candidate who has a chance of winning.
In
2016 I voted against Hillary Clinton because I considered her to be evil – and I
have not changed my opinion of her. I liked the fact that Donald Trump promised
to nominate constitutional judges, and I hoped that he would keep his promise. I
did not know what kind of President that he would be, but I knew in my heart
that he would not be as bad as Hillary.
Trump has kept numerous
promises, including the one about judges. He nominated three constitutional
judges to sit on the Supreme Court, two of which have been confirmed and one is
awaiting confirmation. He has also nominated approximately 300 other federal
judges who make their decisions according to the Constitution.
I
expect that a second term for Trump will be much like his first term. He will
continue to work long hours and days to serve the American people and then accept
no salary for doing so. He will continue to nominate constitutional judges. He
will continue to support law and order, education for all, right-to-life, and
family units. He will continue to move America to higher levels of greatness.
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