| An Official LDS Policy 1972 — Ensign, Oct. 1972, 52.
1972 (James B. Allen) Throughout the twentieth century it has been clear that officially the Church has encouraged members to vote their political convictions. Privately, of course, all Church members, including the leaders, have had their own political opinions; but officially the Church has remained neutral, with a few possible exceptions to be noted below, and well-meaning Latter-day Saints have recognized in this neutrality their personal obligation to study the issues on their own merits and to vote according to their personal political convictions. (James B. Allen, Ensign, Oct. 1972, 52; this article provides a good review of official LDS political neutrality prior to 1972.) 1976 (First Presidency) First Presidency Issues Statement on Election Year Concerns The First Presidency has issued a statement encouraging individual participation in the political process during this election year in the United States, but cautioning against the use of the pulpit as a political platform. The First Presidency said: “As we in the United States enter into this important election year, we send this message of both encouragement and caution to Latter-day Saints. “First, we encourage all members, as citizens of the nation, to become actively involved in the political process. The Church does not endorse candidates for office. However, we urge members as citizens to study carefully and prayerfully the candidates’ records and their positions on issues. Similarly, we encourage members as citizens to involve themselves in supporting measures on the ballot which they feel will strengthen the community, state and nation—morally, economically, and culturally. “We urge Latter-day Saints everywhere to become actively engaged in worthy causes to improve our communities, to make them more wholesome places in which to live and raise a family. “In the way of caution, we offer this counsel: “1. Church organizations and Church-owned or operated buildings are not to be used in the distribution of literature or in making announcement or comments of support or opposition to candidates for public office or on election issues before citizens of this country. “2. Such organizations and buildings are not to be used to solicit or gather funds on behalf of candidates or for government election issues, or for other political activities. “3. In all such activities, Latter-day Saints must understand that they function as citizens of the nation and not as representatives of the Church. However, they should be urged to join other public-spirited citizens in causes for improving the moral climate of their communities.” “News of the Church,” Ensign, June 1976, 85 1980 (First Presidency) Church Policies and Announcements Guidelines on Political Activities: As U.S. election campaigns build their momentum, the First Presidency has issued a letter to Regional Representatives, stake, mission, and district presidents, and bishops and branch presidents in the United States. The letter was to be read in sacrament meetings, and was dated 5 March 1980: “Inasmuch as citizens of the United States are in the midst of prolonged election activities on local, state, and national levels, we reiterate our long-standing policy of encouraging members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be involved as citizens in the political process. “We repeat the scriptural injunction that honest, wise, and good men and women should be sought for diligently and upheld in the performance of their civic duty. “It is incumbent, therefore, upon Church members and all citizens, to study the issues, carefully consider the candidates and to exercise their right to vote after prayerful and intelligent consideration. This will insure support for such candidates and measures as will protect freedom and justice and strengthen the moral fiber of our communities and nation. “In urging this devotion to good citizenship, we reaffirm that we take no partisan stand as to candidates or political parties, and exercise no constraint on the freedom of individuals to make their own choices in these matters. It is, however, contrary to our counsel and advice that ward, branch, or stake premises, chapels or other Church facilities be used in any way for political campaign purposes, whether it be for speech-making, distribution of literature, or class discussions. Needless to say, we are unalterably opposed to the use of our sacrament or other Church meetings for any such purposes, and those who attempt to use the Church facilities to further their political ambitions are injuring their cause and doing the Church a disservice. “We ask that bishops and branch presidents read this message in a sacrament meeting now and later during the year as may be deemed necessary.” (“News of the Church,” Ensign, Aug. 1980, 79.) 1982 (Gordon B. Hinckley) Church Members Receive Counsel on Political Participation Counsel regarding the involvement of Church members in political activities was given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, counselor in the First Presidency in an April 2, meeting of Regional Representatives. His remarks summarized the Church’s attitude toward institutional involvement: “The Church has now reached a strength and stature widely recognized and appreciated. Scarcely a week passes that we are not importuned to lend our voice and strength to one cause or another of significance on a state, national, or international level. “It is frequently tempting to do so. But we must restrain ourselves lest we become diverted from the great central mission of the Church given us by the Lord, and in so doing weaken the strength of the organization and our people to causes that are not related to that mission. Of course, there are occasionally great issues with overtiding moral implications in which we properly should be involved, but the decision regarding such involvement as an institution, in contrast with individual involvement, must rest with the First Presidency. “We should encourage our people to be involved as citizens in matters which concern them and their families. Our people have been taught correct principles, and they are in a position to govern themselves in such involvement. But we must be extremely careful about involving the institutional Church. … “In the heat of political campaigns it is difficult for some Church officers to resist the blandishments of campaign workers to give political endorsement to particular candidates or parties. I recognize a very delicate and sensitive situation when I say this. As individuals, our people, including local leaders, are free to act as citizens, but they must act with great care lest there be a public perception that they are acting as Church officers. “As has been said many times in the past, Church premises must not be used for political gatherings, nor should announcements be made in Church meetings that might be construed as favoring one candidate or party. It is proper for Church officers to encourage members of the Church to participate in mass meetings and to vote at the polls, but always without designating any preference for party or candidate. “Church printing facilities should not be used for the publication of literature for political purposes. “At times the temptation is great, particularly when the issues appear so clearly drawn as to indicate that in a particular area the resources of the local Church organization ought to be exerted in behalf of a candidate who patently stands for those principles which are compatible with the doctrine and standards of the Church. However, the temptation must be resisted.” (“News of the Church,” Ensign, May 1982, 104–5.) 1982 (First Presidency) Policies and Announcements The following letter, dated 1 July 1982 and signed by the First Presidency, was addressed to Church leaders in the United States. “In this election year we again emphasize the previously-stated policy of the Church of strict political neutrality, and of not endorsing political candidates or parties in elections, and of not using Church facilities for political purposes. “The Church does not favor one political party over another. The Church has no candidates for political office; we do not undertake to tell people how to vote. The voter should study the issues and the candidates carefully and prayerfully and vote for those he believes will most nearly carry out his ideas of government and its institutions. “It is contrary to our counsel and advice that ward, branch, or stake premises, chapels or other Church facilities be used in any way for political campaign purposes, whether it be for speech-making, distribution of literature, or class discussions. Needless to say, we are unalterably opposed to the use of our sacrament or other Church meetings for any such purposes, and those who attempt to use the Church facilities to further their political ambitions are injuring their cause and doing the Church a disservice. Church directories or mailing lists should not be made available to candidates for distribution of campaign literature. “We appeal to all candidates for public office to take notice of this instruction and to conduct their campaigns to comply strictly with this requirement pertaining to the use of Church facilities. We also call on all political candidates who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints neither to state nor imply the endorsement of their candidacy by the Church or its leaders. “Finally, we encourage Church members as citizens to involve themselves in supporting measures on the ballot which will strengthen the community, state, and nation—morally, economically, and culturally. We urge Latter-day Saints everywhere to be actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities, and to make them more wholesome places in which to live and rear families.” (“News of the Church,” Ensign, Oct. 1982, 78.) 1984 (First Presidency) Policies and Announcements The First Presidency has sent the following letter to Church units throughout the United States. It is to be read in sacrament meetings. “Once again, in an election year, we emphasize the previously stated policy of the Church of strict political neutrality, and of not endorsing political candidates or parties in elections, and of not using Church facilities for political purposes. “The Church does not favor one political party over another. The Church has no candidates for political office; we do not undertake to tell people how to vote. The voter should study the issues and the candidates carefully and prayerfully and vote for those he believes will most nearly carry out his views of government and its role. “It is contrary to our counsel and advice that ward, branch, or stake premises, chapels or other Church facilities be used in any way for political campaign purposes, whether it be for speech-making, distribution of literature, or class discussions. Needless to say, we are unalterably opposed to the use of our sacrament or other Church meetings for any such purposes, and those attempting to use the Church facilities to further their political ambitions are injuring their cause and doing the Church a disservice. Church directories for mailing lists should not be made available to candidates for distribution of campaign literature. “We appeal to all candidates for public office to take notice of this instruction and to conduct their campaigns to comply strictly with this requirement pertaining to the use of Church facilities. We also call on all political candidates who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints neither to state nor imply the endorsement of their candidacy by the Church or its leaders. “Finally, we also encourage Church members as citizens to involve themselves in supporting measures on the ballot which will strengthen the community, state, and nation—morally, economically, and culturally. We urge Latter-day Saints everywhere to be actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities, and to make them more wholesome places in which to live and to rear families.” (“News of the Church,” Ensign, May 1984, 110–11.) 1986 (First Presidency) Policies and Announcements The following letter from the First Presidency was to be read in sacrament meetings throughout the United States. In this election year, we emphasize anew the long-standing policy of the Church of strict political neutrality, and of not endorsing political candidates or parties in elections, and of not using Church facilities for political purposes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not favor one political party over another. We have no candidates for political office and we do not undertake to tell people how to vote. We do urge all voters to involve themselves in the political process and to study carefully and prayerfully candidates’ positions on issues and to vote for those who will most nearly carry out their views of government and its role. Branch, ward, or stake premises, chapels, or other Church facilities or equipment should not be used in any way for political campaign purposes, whether it be for speech-making, class discussion, fund-raising, or preparation or distribution of campaign literature. Church directories or mailing lists should not be made available to candidates for distribution of campaign literature or for fund solicitation. Those who attempt to use Church meetings or facilities or equipment to further their own or another’s political ambitions injure their own cause and do the Church a disservice. We appeal, therefore, to all candidates for public office to take notice of this instruction and to conduct their campaigns in strict compliance with this requirement pertaining to the use of Church facilities, equipment, meetings, and membership lists. We also call on all political candidates who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints neither to state nor imply the endorsement of their candidacy by the Church or its leaders. (“News of the Church,” Ensign, July 1986, 79.) 1988 (First Presidency) Policies and Announcements Political Neutrality The following letter, dated 9 June 1988, was sent to priesthood leaders to be read in sacrament meeting. It was signed by the First Presidency: In this election year, we reiterate the long-standing policy of the Church of strict political neutrality, of not endorsing political candidates or parties in elections, and of not using Church facilities for political purposes, including voter registration. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not favor one political party over another. We have no candidates for political office and we do not undertake to tell people how to vote. We do urge all voters to involve themselves in the political process and to study carefully and prayerfully candidates’ positions on issues and to vote for those who will most nearly carry out their views of government and its role. The use of branch, ward, or stake premises, chapels or other Church facilities or equipment in any way for voter registration or political campaign purposes is contrary to our counsel and advice. This stricture applies to speechmaking, class discussion, fund-raising, or preparation or distribution of campaign literature. Church directories or mailing lists should not be made available for any purpose to candidates for distribution of campaign literature or fund solicitation or to those involved in voter registration. Those who attempt to use Church meetings or facilities or equipment to further their own or another’s political ambitions injure their own cause and do the Church a disservice. We appeal, therefore, to all candidates for public office to take notice of this instruction and to conduct their campaigns in strict compliance with this requirement pertaining to use of Church facilities, equipment, meetings, and membership lists. We also call on all political candidates who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints neither to state nor imply the endorsement of their candidacy by the Church or its leaders. (“News of the Church,” Ensign, Sept. 1988, 79–80.) 1992 (First Presidency) Political Neutrality Reaffirmed The First Presidency released the following letter addressed to all members of the Church. “Dear Brethren and Sisters: “In this election year, we reaffirm the policy of strict political neutrality for the Church. “The Church does not endorse political candidates or parties in elections. “The Church does not advise its members how to vote. “Church facilities are not used for political purposes. “Church members should study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully and then vote for those who they believe will act with integrity and will most nearly carry out their ideas of good government. Members are encouraged to participate as responsible citizens in supporting measures that strengthen society morally, economically, and culturally. They are urged to be actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make them more wholesome places in which to live and rear families. “Political candidates should not imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders. Church directories or mailing lists should not be used for political purposes.” (“News of the Church,” Ensign, May 1992, 107.) 1997 (Gordon B. Hinckley) The Church and Politics “The Church does not endorse any political party or any political candidate, nor does it permit the use of Church buildings and facilities for political purposes. We believe that the Church should remain out of politics unless there is a moral question at issue. And in the case of a moral issue we would expect to speak out on our view. But, in the matter of everyday political considerations, we try to remain aloof from those as a Church, while at the same time urging our members, as citizens, to exercise their political franchise as individuals. And we believe, likewise, that it is in the interest of good government to permit freedom of worship, freedom of religion. Our official statement says, ‘We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may’ [A of F 1:11]” (press conference, Tokyo, Japan, 18 May 1996). (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Words of the Living Prophet,” Liahona, June 1997, 32.) 1998 (First Presidency) First Presidency Urges Citizen Participation The First Presidency asked that the following letter, dated 15 January 1998, be read in sacrament meetings in the United States. “We wish to reiterate the divine counsel that members ‘should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness’ (D&C 58:27) while using gospel principles as a guide and while cooperating with other like-minded individuals. “Through such wise participation as citizens, we are then in better compliance with this scripture: ‘Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and … he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them’ (D&C 134:1). “Therefore, as in the past, we urge members of the Church to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs. Members of the Church are under special obligations to seek out and then uphold those leaders who are wise, good, and honest (see D&C 98:10). “Thus, we strongly urge men and women to be willing to serve on school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and other high offices of either election or appointment, including involvement in the political party of their choice. “While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are counseled to study the candidates carefully and vote for those individuals they believe will act with integrity and in ways conducive to good communities and good government. Hence, political candidates are asked not to imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders. “As always, Church facilities may not be used for political purposes, nor Church directories or mailing lists.” (“News of the Church,” Ensign, Apr. 1998, 77.) 2000 (First Presidency) First Presidency reaffirms political neutrality As election day approaches in the United States, the First Presidency has reaffirmed the Church's long-standing policy of political neutrality. The following letter was distributed to Church leaders throughout the United States and read to members in their local Sunday worship services: In this election year, we reaffirm the Church's long-standing policy of political neutrality. The Church does not endorse any political party, political platform or candidate. Church facilities, directories and mailing lists are not to be used for political purposes. Candidates for public office should not imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders, and Church leaders and members should avoid statements or conduct that may be interpreted as Church endorsement of any political party or candidate. In addition, members who hold public office should not give the impression they represent the Church as they work for solutions to social problems. We urge Church members to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully and then vote for those they believe will most nearly carry out their ideas of good government. Latter-day Saints are under special obligation to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are "wise," "good" and "honest" (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10). As personal circumstances allow, we encourage men and women in the Church to serve in public offices of either election or appointment — including school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and national offices. Sincerely your brethren, The First Presidency (LDS Church News, Saturday, October 28, 2000.) 2001 (First Presidency) First Presidency statement The following letter, dated Sept. 4, 2001, was sent from the First Presidency to General Authorities and local priesthood leaders: In this election year we remind Church members that they are under special obligation to exercise their right to vote and to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity, and who are wise, good, and honest (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10). We strongly encourage members of the Church to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully and then vote in the primary and general election for those they believe will most nearly carry out their ideas of good government. We also reaffirm the Church's long-standing policy of political neutrality. The Church does not endorse any political party, political platform, or candidate, nor should Church facilities, directories, or mailing lists be used for political purposes. Sincerely yours, The First Presidency (LDS Church News, Saturday, September 15, 2001.) 2002 (First Presidency) Citizens urged to register, vote The following letter has been sent to general and local priesthood leaders in the United States with instruction that it is to be read in sacrament meeting: Dear Brethren and Sisters: In this election year, we urge Church members to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully and then vote for those they believe will most nearly carry out their ideas of good government. Latter-day Saints are under special obligation to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are "wise," "good," and "honest" (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10). We reaffirm the Church's long-standing policy of political neutrality. The Church does not endorse any political party, political platform, or candidate. Church facilities, directories, and mailing lists are not to be used for political purposes. Candidates for public office should not imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders, and Church leaders and members should avoid statements or conduct that may be interpreted as Church endorsements of any political party or candidate. In addition, members who hold public office should not give the impression they represent the Church as they work for solutions to social problems. Sincerely yours, The First Presidency (LDS Church News, Saturday, October 5, 2002.) 2004 (First Presidency) First Presidency letter The following letter was sent by the First Presidency to priesthood leaders in the United States with instruction that it be read in sacrament meeting: July 21, 2004 Dear Brethren and Sisters: In this election year, we urge Church members to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then vote for those they believe will most nearly carry out their ideas of good government. Latter- day Saints are under special obligations to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are "wise," "good," and "honest," (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10). While affirming its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues, the Church reaffirms its long-standing policy of neutrality regarding political parties, political platforms, and candidates for political office. Church facilities, directories, and mailing lists are not to be used for political purposes. Candidates for public office should not imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders, and Church members should avoid statements or conduct that may be interpreted as Church endorsement of any political party, political platform, or candidate. In addition, members who hold public office should not give the impression they represent the Church as they work for solutions to social problems. Sincerely yours, The First Presidency (LDS Church News, Saturday, July 31, 2004.) 2004 (First Presidency) Policies and Announcements The First Presidency has sent the following letter, dated 21 July 2004, to priesthood leaders. Members Encouraged to Exercise the Right to Vote / Reaffirmation of the Church’s Policy of Political Neutrality In this election year, we urge Church members to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then vote for those they believe will most nearly carry out their ideas of good government. Latter- day Saints are under special obligation to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are “wise,” “good,” and “honest” (see D&C 98:10). While affirming its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues, the Church reaffirms its long-standing policy of neutrality regarding political parities, political platforms, and candidates for political office. Church facilities, directories, and mailing lists are not to be used for political purposes. Candidates for public office should not imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders, and Church leaders and members should avoid statements or conduct that may be interpreted as Church endorsement of any political party, political platform, or candidate. In addition, members who hold public office should not give the impression they represent the Church as they work for solutions to social problems. (“News of the Church,” Ensign, Oct. 2004, 78.)
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