Contemporary Church Political Policy

What is the official Church policy related to politics?

The Church’s official policy is to remain “neutral in matters of party politics.”[1] However, the Church takes positions on specific policies that have “moral consequences or that directly affect the Church.”[2]

Is this policy a violation of church and state?

Possibly. The dividing line between church and state has been litigated and debated since the founding of the United States.[3] The Church's policy outlines that the Church will get involved in legislation related to moral issues[4] but it does not support or endorse specific political parties or candidates.[5]

What does the Church advise its members to do with politics?

The Church encourages individual members to participate in politics and does not dictate any particular position or affiliation[6] and has stated the "principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties."[7] However, at times the Church has encouraged members to vote on specific ballot measures.[8]

Is the Church a defacto republican institution?

For the most part, yes. A 2012 Pew survey reported that 74% of polled Latter-day Saints either identify as, or at least lean, Republican.[9] The Church also has aligned more with the Republican Party than the Democratic Party on some issues, such as its stance on abortion[10] or opposition to same-sex marriage.[11]

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Footnotes

BIOBrigham Young
Brigham Young (1801–1877) was an early Latter-day Saint leader. He was born in Whitingham, Vermont. and joined the faith in his twenties after two years of deliberation. He became the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles following the fractionalization of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio. After Joseph Smith's martyrdom in 1844, Young assumed the presidency and led the Latter-day Saints to settle in the Great Basin region. He was married to fifty-five women and fathered fifty-nine children from sixteen of his wives. He also served as the Territorial Governor for Utah Territory until 1857 and as the prophet until his death.
BIOJohn Taylor
John Taylor (1808–1887) was born in Westmorland, England. He was the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He moved to Canada in 1832 and joined the Church four years later. Taylor was soon appointed to the apostleship and became a prominent advocate for Latter-day Saint doctrine during his mission to the United Kingdom. Taylor accompanied Joseph Smith to Carthage Jail in 1844, where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. Taylor received a bullet wound to the thigh. He served in the apostleship and First Presidency until his appointment to the Presidency in 1880. Taylor oversaw the Church administration as the Church faced sustained prosecution from federal authorities for the practice of polygamy. He died while in hiding from federal authorities in Kaysville at the age of 79.
BIOMitt Romney
Mitt Romney (1947–) is a U.S. politician and son of George Romney. He served a mission in France from 1966 to 1968. He later served as a bishop and stake president. As a politician, Romney was the Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and a candidate for the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election for the Republican Party. Since 2019, he has been a senator for the state of Utah.
BIODieter F. Uchtdorf
Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1940–) was born in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, to Karl and Hildegard Uchtdorf. He and his family joined the Church in 1947 in Zwickau, Germany. The Uchtdorf family fled to Frankfurt in 1952, and in 1959, Dieter joined the German Air Force. Dieter married Harriet Reich in 1962, and they had two children. Elder Uchtdorf was called as a General Authority in April 1994 and was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles in October 2004. From 2008 to 2018, he served as the second counselor in the First Presidency under Thomas S. Monson. Elder Uchtdorf continues in his call as an apostle.
[1]↩︎
In a May 18, 1996 statement, President Gordon B. Hinckley defined the Church as politically neutral unless there were serious pressing moral issues it had to address.
This political neutrality stance has been reiterated by the Church in recent years.
In a February 2011 statement, the Church declared that it is neutral "in matters of party politics" and encouraged members "to be actively involved in civic matters in their respective communities and nations, and to vote for whomever they wish."
This was repeated during the 2020 U.S. Presidential elections, where the leadership of the Church urged members "to spend the time needed to become informed about the issues and candidates" they would vote for while again repeating that the Church "affirms its institutional neutrality regarding political parties and candidates."
[2]↩︎
In a 2019 statement released by the Public Affairs department, the Church outlined points on what the Church does and does not do related to politics.
The statement noted that the Church does not:
- Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
- Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
- Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.
And noted that the Church does (emphasis added):
- Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
- Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
- Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
- Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.
- Church Public Affairs articulates Church's political neutrality.
[3]↩︎
There have been various cases in recent years discussing religious freedoms and the separation of church and state. Some religious freedom discussions have revolved around the following:
- Amish commitment to home school instead of public schooling
- Indigenous peoples and their religious practice of smoking peyote
- The Jehovah's Witnesses refusal to pledge allegiance to the flag
Other court cases in the U.S. have defined some church and state separation issues, including:
- Abington School District v. Schempp (1963) found that state-run public schools cannot sponsor Bible readings or the Lord’s Prayer under the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
- Agostini v. Felton (1997) found that administering a federally funded program where public school teachers also instructed in religious schools was fine as long as the material they taught was secular and neutral and there was no "excessive entanglement" between government and religion.
- Carson v. Makin (2022) ruled against the state of Maine disallowing vouchers to be used to pay for religious-based private schools. The June 2022 Supreme Court decision ruled that the restrictions violated the Free Exercise Clause, discriminating against religious private schools.
[4]↩︎
In March 1995, as the Hawaii litigation over gay marriage was mounting, President Gordon B. Hinckley told the press:
We try to follow a very strict course in political matters. We observe the principle of the separation of church and state. We do concern ourselves with matters which we consider of moral consequence and things which might directly affect the Church or our fellow churches.
In the January 2019 statement, "The LDS Church Believes in Political Neutrality," the Church taught that it reserves "the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church."
- Gordon B Hinckley explains why the Church becomes involved in political activity.
- Church Public Affairs articulates Church's political neutrality.
[5]↩︎
In 2019, the Church's Public Affairs reiterated its neutrality towards specific political parties or candidates:
The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established. The Church does not: • Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
- Church Public Affairs articulates Church's political neutrality.
[6]↩︎
During the April 2021 General Conference, Dallin H. Oaks instructed members to refrain from judging one another in political matters:
We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time. We also insist, and we ask our local leaders to insist, that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any of our Church meetings.
- Oaks teaches that faithful members should not be barred from belonging to, or voting for, any particular political party.
[7]↩︎
In the October 2020 article, "First Presidency Encourages Latter-day Saints in the United States to Vote," the Church taught:
Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties, and members should seek candidates who best embody those principles.
- First Presidency of the Church urges members to be informed about candidates before voting in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
[8]↩︎
For example, the Church also took stances on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in 1976 and the MX missile construction in 1981.
In June 2008, the Church encouraged members in California to support Proposition 8.
[9]↩︎
In January 2012, the Pew Research Center reported:
Two-thirds of Mormons (66%) describe themselves as politically conservative, and three-quarters of Mormon voters (74%) identify with or lean toward the Republican Party.
This contrasted with other groups surveyed that found:
37% of U.S. adults describe themselves as conservative (including 40% of white non-Mormons residing in the Mountain West). And 45% of registered voters in the population as a whole (and 60% of white non-Mormons in the Mountain West) identify with the Republican Party.
- Pew Research reports that 74% of American LDS identify with, or lean towards, the Republican Party.
[10]↩︎
The General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states:
The Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. Members must not submit to, perform, arrange for, pay for, consent to, or encourage an abortion.
The handbook also outlines the three exceptions:
- Pregnancy from forcible rape or incest
- The life or health of the mother is at serious risk
- The fetus has severe defects such that the baby will not survive beyond birth
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[11]↩︎
In June 2008, the Church encouraged members in California to support Proposition 8. Later that year, the Church issued a formal Church statement on Proposition 8 efforts called the "Divine Institution of Marriage."
- Church Newsroom posts the Formal Church statement on Prop 8 efforts.
- First Presidency explains Church's rationale for supporting Prop 8.
[12]↩︎
In March 2015, the Utah legislature passed a bill banning discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. According to the New York Times, this was done with the support of "Mormon church leaders" and the legislation, known as "the Utah compromise," was "hailed by Mormon leaders and gay rights advocates as a breakthrough in balancing rights and religious freedom."
Before the passing of this law, Dallin H. Oaks called on governments to pass laws that would balance protecting religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in areas such as "housing, employment and public accommodation in hotels, restaurants and transportation."
- New York Times reports on the LDS Church supporting the passing of anti-discrimination laws in Utah.
- Tad Walsh in Deseret News reports on Church leaders supporting nondiscrimination laws in Utah.
[13]↩︎
In a statement issued in August 2017, the Church issued an official statement condemning the rally which stated that
People of any faith, or of no faith at all, should be troubled by the increase of intolerance in both words and actions that we see everywhere.
The Church also added:
White supremacist attitudes are morally wrong and sinful, and we condemn them. Church members who promote or pursue a “white culture” or white supremacy agenda are not in harmony with the teachings of the Church.
- Church Newsroom publishes the Church's condemnation of the Charlottesville riots.
[14]↩︎
In a statement issued June 18, 2018, the Church declared that the "forced separation of children from their parents now occurring at the U.S.-Mexico border is harmful to families, especially to young children."
While acknowledging the rights of nations to enforce their laws and ensure their borders are safe, the Church also noted that they "encourage our national leaders to take swift action to correct this situation and seek for rational, compassionate solutions."
- Church condemns family separation policy at US-Mexico border.
[15]↩︎
In a 2006 general conference talk, Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ.
Later, in 2017, the Church released a statement that requoted President Hinckley and added:
For members of the Church, we reaffirm that teaching today and the Savior's admonition to love our neighbor.
- Church Newsroom publishes the Church's condemnation of the Charlottesville riots.
- Gordon B. Hinckley denounces racism and teaches "there is no basis for racial hatred" among Church members.
[16]↩︎
In a 2011 statement, the Church supported the various proposed laws by the Utah Legislature taking a "responsible approach" to immigration reform. They noted that the Church's position is based on three principles:
- The commandment to “love thy neighbor.”
- The importance of keeping families intact.
- The federal government’s obligation to secure its borders.
This statement also listed the Deseret News editorial, "A Model For the Nation" as an accurate reflection of the Church's position. This article quoted Church leaders as teaching:
"Finding a successful resolution will require the best thinking and goodwill of all across the political spectrum, the highest levels of statesmanship, and the strongest desire to do what is best for all of God's children."
[17]↩︎
In 1870, Brigham Young said:
Suppose that we do all actually vote one way, or for one man for our delegate to Congress, and have no opposing candidate, and get the best there is, is that not better than having opposition? What does opposition bring? It certainly brings anger and strife; and of what use are they? They serve no good purpose. Then let us all vote one way, and think and act one way, and keep the commandments of God and build up His kingdom on the earth in peace and righteousness.
Then in 1871, Brigham taught that a religion that does not direct its members in politics is "a very poor religion" and noted:
The religion that the Lord has revealed from heaven unites the hearts of the people, and when they gather together, no matter where they are from, they are of one heart and one mind.
- Brigham Young acknowledges that "outsiders" object to LDS block voting; justifies it as it allows the Kingdom to be established in righteousness.
- Brigham Young teaches that a religion that does not govern its members in their politics is "a very poor religion"; the Gospel unites people from different political backgrounds.
[18]↩︎
In an April 7, 1867 speech, John Taylor declared that "In political matters we are pretty well united. At our elections we generally vote as a unit."
In another speech dated October 7, 1872, Taylor said:
Some people say, “You folks always vote together,” we would be poor coots if we did not, and just as bad as the rest of you. Some folks here, a short time ago, got up a little political operation, and tried how it would answer to run one against another; but it did not work well and they had to quit.
- John Taylor teaches that the Saints generally "vote as a unit" in elections.
- John Taylor defends the practice of the Saints voting together.
[19]↩︎
While the Church has never specifically denounced this practice, it has moved away from encouraging it.
Wilford Woodruff, the successor to John Taylor, encouraged a more diverse political spectrum in Utah. For example, in his journal for February 19, 1891, Woodruff recorded a meeting with a delegation who wished to unite the people of Utah under two parties, the Republicans and Democrats.
In a statement from October 2020 released just prior to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, the First Presidency urged members "to spend the time needed to become informed about the issues and candidates you will be considering."
- Wilford Woodruff records meeting with delegation at Ogden who wants to unite the people of Utah under two parties: Republicans and Democrats.
- First Presidency of the Church urges members to be informed about candidates before voting in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
[20]↩︎
During a meeting of Church leaders, it was voted unanimously "that we will have an <independent> electoral ticket and that Joseph Smith be a candidate for the next Presidency; and that we use all honorable means in our power to secure his election."
Joseph reportedly called to send "every man in the city who is able to speak in public" to go "throughout the land to electioneer and make stump speeches, advocate the Mormon religion, purity of election, and call upon the people to stand by the law, and put down mobocracy."
- Joseph announces his candidacy for the US Presidency.
[21]↩︎
Joseph Smith said he would not be running if he and his friends "could have had the privilege of enjoying our religious & civel rights as American Citizen even those rights which the Constitution guarantee unto all her Citizens alike."
He then added:
If I loose my life in a good Cause I am willing to be sacrificed on the alter of virtue rightousness & truth, in maintaining the laws & constitution of the United States if need be for the general good of mankind.
- Joseph Smith discusses the reasons why he would run for the Presidency of the U.S.A.
[22]↩︎
In this 2019 statement, the news release noted:
General Authorities and general officers of the Church and their spouses and other ecclesiastical leaders serving full-time should not personally participate in political campaigns, including promoting candidates, fundraising, speaking in behalf of or otherwise endorsing candidates, and making financial contributions.
- Church Public Affairs articulates Church's political neutrality.
[23]↩︎
The updated (June 1, 2023) statement included a new opening paragraph:
The work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, strengthening individuals and families, and caring for those in need. The church does not seek to elect government officials, support or oppose political parties, or, generally, take sides in global conflicts. The church is neutral in matters of politics within or between the world’s many nations, lands and peoples. However, as an institution, it reserves the right to address issues it believes have significant moral consequences or that directly affect the mission, teachings or operations of the church.
The statement also included a new conclusion:
To navigate the application of these principles of political neutrality and participation in an ever-changing and complex world, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will continue to seek prophetic wisdom and revelation on these matters.
- Church Newsroom publishes the updated (June 1, 2023) statement from the Church on "Political Neutrality and Participation."
[24]↩︎
During the April 1896 General Conference, the Church issued the "Political Manifesto."
While reiterating the division between church and state and cautioning against leaders from actively seeking political office, the Manifesto allowed for an exception if full-time Church leaders were "willing to counsel with and obtain the consent of his fellow-laborers and presiding officers in the Priesthood."
- First Presidency issues the "Political Manifesto" during the April 1896 General Conference: Church leaders must get permission from leadership before running for political office.
[25]↩︎
The manifesto was issued when two Latter-day Saint leaders, B. H. Roberts and Moses Thatcher, received the Democratic Party's nomination without the approval of Church leadership.
Before this, in 1894, this, as Wilford Woodruff recorded:
The general Opinion was for none of the Presidency, Twelve or Presidents of seventies should take the Stump to make political speeches.
Then, in 1895, while discussing the nominations with other Church leaders in October 1895, Joseph F. Smith reportedly said:
The moment a man in authority decides to do as he pleases, he steps on dangerous ground. One of the Twelve and one of the Seven Presidents of Seventies have done wrong in accepting obligations without first consulting and obtaining the consent of those who preside over them.
[26]↩︎
The 2003 Church History In The Fulness Of Times Student Manual noted that this encouragement "would demonstrate to national party leaders that a viable two-party system could exist in Utah," while also noting that members who had "strong Democratic convictions were not asked to switch parties."
- Church Manual notes that Church leaders instructed members to vote Republican in 1890s.
[27]↩︎
In February 1891, Wilford Woodruff recorded a meeting with a delegation who wished to unite the people of Utah under two parties, the Republicans and Democrats.
In March 1892, 15 leading Democrat politicians blamed Woodruff and the rest of Church leadership for "using their influence" when the city of Logan, Utah "had gone Republican."
During the elections of November 1894, Woodruff would note that Utah had "gone Republican with a great portion of the United States," also noting that Frank J. Cannon (Republican) was elected to Congress.
[28]↩︎
In the January 2019 statement, "The LDS Church Believes in Political Neutrality," the Church affirmed that it is "neutral in matters of party politics." They added, "This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established" and that it does not "endorse, promote or oppose political parties."
In the October 2020 article, "First Presidency Encourages Latter-day Saints in the United States to Vote," the Church taught:
Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties, and members should seek candidates who best embody those principles.
As early as October 1897, President Wilford Woodruff instructed Church members "to unite together in your temporal business, and in your politics, so far as it is wisdom."
He added:
I do not care whether a man is a Republican or a Democrat, in that he is free; but it is your duty to unite in electing good men to govern and control your cities, your local affairs.
[29]↩︎
For example, the Council of Foundations released a report noting that in the Republic of Ireland for an NPO to be eligible to have a "charitable tax exemption" and be exempt from paying income taxes, they are prohibited from "Lobbying for the reform of law or political activities," but they are allowed to promote a political cause "when the promotion of that cause directly relates to the advancement of its charitable purposes."
In Mexico, the Council of Foundations reported that authorized NPOs can be part of advocacy activities "aimed to influence legislation" as long as these activities are not paid or carried out on behalf of a donor. Mexico law does prohibit NPOs that fall under the Promotion Law from promoting "partisan political ends," but allows other NPOs to engage in political activities.
And in Brazil, the law "generally does not impose restrictions on the ability of foundations and associations to engage in legislative or political activities." The Council of Foundations noted that under Brazilian law, "Public foundations and social organizations are not expressly prohibited from engaging in political or legislative activities."
They then added, "However, the nature of their structure, their purposes, and the activities they undertake may implicitly keep them from engaging in political issues."
[30]↩︎
According to the entry under "Lobbying" on Internal Revenue Services (IRS) website:
No organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status.
- IRS Website on limits to lobbying a NPO can engage in.
[31]↩︎
According to the NOLO Legal Encyclopedia, "non-partisan activities" include "non-partisan voter registration drives, non-partisan candidate debates, and non-partisan voter education, as long as these activities fulfill [the NPOs] purposes."
"Legislative or issue advocacy" are allowable activities for an NPO "as long as it follows certain rules and steers clear of political campaigning."
- NOLO (website for small businesses for legal/business questions) Legal Encyclopedia on Political Campaigning and its limitations for a NPO.
[32]↩︎
An NPO is prohibited from "Participating in Political Campaign." The NOLO Legal Encyclopedia noted:
[501(c)(3) Nonprofits] cannot participate in a campaign, directly or indirectly, on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate. If your organization takes a stand in any campaign, supporting or opposing one or another candidate, this violates the prohibition.
- NOLO (website for small businesses for legal/business questions) Legal Encyclopedia on Political Campaigning and its limitations for a NPO.
[33]↩︎
In February 2011, the Church, responding to questions about its stance towards the presidential campaigns of Mitt Romney and Jon M. Huntsman Jr., noted:
Clearly, it’s time to restate what we said back in 2007 and 2008: The Church is strictly neutral in matters of party politics and will not comment at all on the personalities and platforms of candidates, whether or not they are members of the Church and irrespective of their party affiliation.
Then in September 2012, the Church reaffirmed its neutrality towards Mitt Romney and the other candidates. Church spokesman Michael Purdy, while noting that "the church has always encouraged people to be a part of the political process and to register to vote," added that the Church does "not direct them on how to vote."
- Thomas Burr reports on Church affirming its neutrality towards the candidates for the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election.
- Church reiterates its neutrality towards Romney's and Huntman's 2012 U.S. Presidential Campaign.
[34]↩︎
An article released by the Church's Public Affairs department in January 2019 noted:
General Authorities . . . should not personally participate in political campaigns, including promoting candidates, fundraising, speaking in behalf of or otherwise endorsing candidates, and making financial contributions.
- Church Public Affairs articulates Church's political neutrality.
[35]↩︎
The Church has outlined what actions and sins require a "membership council":
- Murder
- Rape
- Sexual assault conviction
- Child or youth abuse
- Abuse of a spouse or another adult
- Predatory behavior
- Incest
- Child pornography
- Plural marriage
- Serious sin while holding a prominent Church position
- Most felony convictions
- Church Handbook of Instruction Outlines when a membership council is required.
[36]↩︎
According to an article in the Desert News for March 12, 2021, the FEC Website reported 11 donations over a four-and-a-half-month span, totaling $2,086.67 to three candidates, a political action committee, and the Democratic National Committee. Other donations included another four contributions, totaling $1,000 to, or earmarked for, Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign.
In response, Uchtdorf said, “I regret such an oversight on my part. I fully support the church’s policy related to political donations from church leaders.”
Uchtdorf also noted, “These donations were made by our family using an online account, which is shared by our family and associated with my name."
- Deseret News article reports on Uchtdorf's campaign donation during 2020 U.S. election campaign.
[37]↩︎
In the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaders are taught:
Confidentiality is essential because members may not confess sins or seek guidance if what they share will not be kept confidential. Breaching a confidence betrays members’ trust and causes them to lose confidence in their leaders.
The Handbook also notes that "all information gathered and shared as part of a membership council is confidential." When Church leaders communicate with one another, they are instructed to "safeguard access to this information" and "to delete or destroy the information when they no longer need it."
They are also instructed to "not unnecessarily share personal information."
- Church official instructions concerning disciplinary actions and confidentiality of proceedings.
[38]↩︎
The section on matters that require a membership council in the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes:
- Murder
- Rape
- Sexual assault conviction
- Child or youth abuse
- Abuse of a spouse or another adult
- Predatory behavior (violent, sexual, or financial)
- Incest
- Child pornography
- Plural marriage
- Serious sin while holding a prominent Church position
- Most felony convictions
- Church Handbook of Instruction Outlines when a membership council is required.
[39]↩︎
In 1942, following his arrest (and later, execution) for anti-Nazi activities, Helmuth Hübener was excommunicated by Arthur Zander, his branch president, with the support of Anthon Huck of the European Mission presidency. However, this action was protested by Otto Berndt, Hübener’s district president.
The Church published an essay on this subject and stated:
Several Church leaders later said they intended to distance the Church from Hübener to protect Latter-day Saints from the wrath of Nazi officials. After World War II ended, Hübener was posthumously reinstated in the Church and, in 1948, given temple ordinances by proxy.
According to Saints, the Church's official multi-volume history, upon learning of Hübener's excommunication, President George Albert Smith and "his counselors reversed the action and directed local authorities to note this fact on Helmuth’s membership record."
- Church Topics Essay on Helmuth Hübener.
- Saints notes that George Albert Smith reversed Helmuth Hübener's excommunication in 1942 after learning about it after the end of World War 2.
[40]↩︎
Majorie Hyer, a reporter for The Washington Post, reported on Johnson's excommunication in 1979. He wrote that:
Johnson, who has campaigned actively for the Equal Rights Amendment, had been charged with spreading false doctrine and with working against both the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its leaders.
She also noted that her bishop, Jeffrey Willis,
maintained that the ERA, which the Mormon hierarchy vigorously opposes, was not at issue in the case and refused to hear testimony about it at Johnson's trial. She has continued to insist that her vigorous opposition to the church's tactics in battling ERA is at the heart of her troubles.
- Majorie Hyer reports on the excommunication of Sonia Johnson; Johnson claims it was due to her support for ERA, while Jeffrey Willis (bishop) denies it was due to her support for ERA.
[41]↩︎
Teresa Nielsen Hayden, in an article published on November 1980, recalled her anger at the excommunication of Sonia Johnson and blamed it on her public support of ERA. Hayden later wrote that she
fired off a letter to President Kimball, demanding that my name be taken from the rolls of the church, and seconding Ms. Johnson's opinions of the church leadership. I added gratuitously that President Kimball had his nerve talking about women in the church, since he'd never been one, and all his councillors are, to a man, men.
Hayden said that this action caused her to be excommunicated from the Church. She said that during her disciplinary counsel meeting she was able to make a statement:
I accused the church of profound sexism, of both covert and overt opposition to the women's rights movement, and of giving moral sanction to the continuing social and economic subjugation of women.
- Teresa Nielsen Hayden in Telos #3 claims she was excommunicated from the Church for supporting ERA.
[42]↩︎
Section 1 of the Equal Rights Amendment reads:
Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
- Roberta W. Francis presents the full text of the Equal Rights Amendment.
[43]↩︎
The LD-2 disclosure form filed by APCO Worldwide for 2020 indicated that the Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paid $20,000 for lobbying on the issue of H.R. 5331, Fairness for All Act.
- Church lobbying the US Federal Government in 2020.
[44]↩︎
The LD-2 disclosure form filed by APCO Worldwide for 2021 indicated that the Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paid $10,000 for lobbying on the issue of H.R. 5331, Fairness for All Act.
- Church lobbying the US Federal Government in 2021.
[45]↩︎
The proposed Fairness for all Act would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and provide "certain benefits and exemptions to religious providers." The bill included this statement:
(1) exempts a church or religious organization from claims of employment discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity under specified circumstances; and (2) prohibits sanctions for certain employee speech regarding the employee's religious, political, or moral beliefs in the workplace.
- Congress.gov Website gives an overview of the "Fairness for All Act."
[46]↩︎
The Open Secrets Website, a research group dedicated to tracking money in U.S. politics, also confirmed these numbers. They noted the total amount of money used by the Church for political lobbying in 2020 was $20,000.
- Open Secrets reports Church paid $0 in 2019 and $20,000 in 2020 for Political Lobbying.
[47]↩︎
Section 1 of the act reads that
Every woman of the age of twenty-one years who has resided in this Territory six months next preceding any general or special election, born or naturalized in the United States, who is the wife, widow or the daughter of a native-born or naturalized citizen of the United States, shall be entitled to vote at any election in this Territory.
- Text of "An Act Conferring Upon Women the Elective Franchise" allowing women over 21 years of age to vote in Utah.
[48]↩︎
In his August 3, 1870 letter to Sophronia Lyman, George A. Smith (a member of the First Presidency) wrote of having "the pleasure of playing at home and taking care of the children while my wives went to the election" two days previous.
In his 1877 book The Women of Mormondom, Edwards Tullidge wrote that when a congressman proposed to "enfranchise the women of Utah," Brigham Young and the legislative body of Utah "promptly accepted the proposition, and a bill giving suffrage to the women of Utah was passed by the Territorial Lesiglature, without a dissenting vote."
- George A. Smith (member of First Presidency) writes that he had the "pleasure" of staying at home while his wives voted in August 1870.
- Edward Tullidge notes that the act allowing women to vote in Utah was passed by Brigham Young and the legislature without a dissenting vote.
[49]↩︎
The Edmunds-Tucker Act was named after Senator George F. Edmunds of Vermont and Congressman John Randolph Tucker of Virginia.
According to Utah historian S. George Ellsworth:
The act prohibited the practice of polygamy and punished it with a fine of from $500 to $800 and imprisonment of up to five years. It dissolved the corporation of the church and directed the confiscation by the federal government of all church properties valued over a limit of $50,000. The act also dealt with the separation of church and state and with courts, militia, education, elections, immigration, and woman suffrage.
Ellsworth added, "Utah women had been granted the franchise in 1870, but lost it now."
The Edmunds-Tucker Act was repealed in 1978.
- S. George Ellsworth gives overview of Utah becoming a state; includes discussion of Edmunds-Tucker and other anti-polygamy acts.
- USLegal Website provides overview of Edmunds-Tucker act; notes that it was repealed in 1978.
[50]↩︎
There were 27 sections in the Edmunds-Tucker Act. It included the following provisions:
- The plural wife/wives of a man accused of bigamy were not exempted from testifying against one's spouse; only the first (the only "lawful") wife was not to be compelled to testify (section 2)
- To curb plural marriages in the territory, civil marriages were required to have licenses/certificates (section 9)
- Illegitimate children were not entitled to an inheritance or a distributive share in the estate of the father (section 11)
- Local judges were replaced by federally appointed judges (section 12)
- The Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company was annulled (section 15)
- Women were prohibited from voting (section 20)
- Prospective voters, jurors, and holds of public office were expected to take an anti-polygamy oath (section 24)
- Office of Territorial superintendent of district schools was abolished (section 25)
- Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887 takes away the right to vote for women in Utah.
[51]↩︎
Section 20 of the act reads:
That it shall not be lawful for any female to vote at any election hereafter held in the Territory of Utah for any public purpose whatever, and no such vote shall be received or counted or given effect in any manner whatever; and any and every act of the legislative assembly of the Territory of Utah providing for or allowing the registration or voting by females is hereby annulled.
- Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887 takes away the right to vote for women in Utah.
[52]↩︎
The Nineteenth Amendment was passed by the U.S. Congress on June 4, 1919, and was ratified on August 18, 1920.
It states that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."
- The text of the 19th Amendment to the U.S Constitution.
[53]↩︎
The January 1908 issue of the Improvement Era published an article by Edward H. Anderson that explicitly favored prohibition.
Commenting on attempts by temperance movements to make states "dry" (i.e., alcohol-free) Anderson wrote:
It is a foregone conclusion that the suppression of the liquor traffic in them will also be very welcome; and further, that the Latter-day Saints will unitedly and enthusiastically join in bringing about its complete extermination.
- Edward H. Anderson encourages support of Prohibition in January 1908 Improvement Era.
[54]↩︎
The Eighteenth Amendment was added to the Constitution of the United States on January 16, 1919. Section 1 reads:
After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.
- The text of the 18th Amendment to the U.S Constitution.
[55]↩︎
In September 1932, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve issued a statement titled "Prohibition—How We Stand." In it, they taught:
We do not hesitate to give the emphatic counsel that it is the unqualified duty of every citizen to continue loyally to support the Eighteenth Amendment and the laws of Congress in relation thereto.
The statement also added:
With the purpose of the Prohibition measures we have complete sympathy. They were designed to promote the cause of temperance and ultimately to bring about complete abstinence from intoxicating liquors. The position of the Church with reference to the use of intoxicants and other body poisons is well known.
In May 1933, in a short letter to Henry Smith, President Heber J. Grant reiterated Latter-day Saint and non-Latter-day Saint opposition to appealing prohibition.
- First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles come out in support of prohibition and oppose proposals to repeal 18th Amendment.
- Deseret News reprints Heber J. Grant's letter addressing the Church's opposition to attempts to repeal the 18th Amendment.
[56]↩︎
The First Presidency letter on June 13, 1941, noted:
We are not able to approve of this practice. We do not believe the economics behind this practice are sound, nor do we feel that they are consistent with that civic integrity which should be among our people.
- First Presidency issues a letter opposing federal payments for not raising crops.
[57]↩︎
According to the First Presidency statement of October 22, 1976:
There have been injustices to women before the law and in society generally. These we deplore. There are additional rights to which women are entitled. However, we firmly believe that the Equal Rights Amendment is not the answer.
- First Presidency articulates reasons for opposing ERA.
[58]↩︎
The Church also attached a copy of the 1995 Proclamation on the Family as part of the amicus curiae brief.
- Church includes Proclamation in Amicus brief.
[59]↩︎
The First Presidency issued a letter to Church leaders in California who read it to local congregations. It stated that the Church would participate in a colation to seek the passage of Proposition 8 and reiterated the Church's position on marriage.
In October 2008, during a First Presidency message addressing Proposition 8, Russell M. Nelson asked Church members to campaign by means of "text message, blog, make phone calls, walk your neighborhoods, and just talk to friends, associates and neighbors."
- Russell M. Nelson advocates for Prop 8; requests Church members to campaign actively, in a respectful manner, in one's community.
- First Presidency explains Church's rationale for supporting Prop 8.
[60]↩︎
In their May 1981 statement, the First Presidency noted:
With the most serious concern over the pressing moral question of possible nuclear conflict, we plead with our national leaders to marshal the genius of the nation to find viable alternatives which will secure at an earlier date and with fewer hazards the protection from possible enemy aggression, which is our common concern.
- First Presidency expresses reason for opposing MX missile construction.
[61]↩︎
At a news conference, T. LaMar Sleight read a statement on behalf of the Church at the news conference, which began with the Church stating that it "supports the principles expressed in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 and urges its passage."
When the Act was passed on November 16, 1993, Elder M. Russell Ballard, who was present when Bill Clinton signed it into law, said that it was "probably the most significant thing in terms of protecting U.S. religious freedom that has happened in our lifetime."
- The Ensign reports on the Church's Support for Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.
- Ensign reports on the Church welcoming the Religious Freedom Act being signed into U.S. Law.
[62]↩︎
In a 2011 statement, the Church supported the various proposed laws by the Utah Legislature taking a "responsible approach" to immigration reform. They noted that the Church's position is based on three principles:
- The commandment to “love thy neighbor.”
- The importance of keeping families intact.
- The federal government’s obligation to secure its borders.
This statement also listed the Deseret News editorial, "A Model For the Nation" as an accurate reflection of the Church's position. This article quoted Church leaders as teaching:
"Finding a successful resolution will require the best thinking and goodwill of all across the political spectrum, the highest levels of statesmanship, and the strongest desire to do what is best for all of God's children."
[63]↩︎
In January 2015, Church leaders Dallin H. Oaks, Jeffrey R. Holland, D. Todd Christofferson, and Neill F. Marriott taught in a news conference that, on proposals to strengthen laws related to LGBT issues in the interest of ensuring fair access to housing and employment, "the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on record as favoring such measures."
They also noted the necessity of laws that will also protect religions against discrimination and retaliation for claiming "the core rights of free expression and religious practice that are at the heart of our identity as a nation and our legacy as citizens."
When the bill was passed in the Utah Legislature, the New York Times noted that it was "with the backing of Mormon church leaders" and that the legislation, known as the "Utah compromise," was "hailed by Mormon leaders and gay rights advocates as a breakthrough in balancing rights and religious freedom, and as a model for other conservative states."
- Tad Walsh in Deseret News reports on Church leaders supporting nondiscrimination laws in Utah.
- New York Times reports on the LDS Church supporting the passing of anti-discrimination laws in Utah.
[64]↩︎
In the August 13, 2017 statement, the Church repeated the words of Gordon B. Hinckley who taught:
No man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ.
The statement also reaffirmed that teaching and "the Savior's admonition to love our neighbor."
The statement from a couple of days later also explicitly condemned white supremacy. It noted:
White supremacist attitudes are morally wrong and sinful, and we condemn them. Church members who promote or pursue a “white culture” or white supremacy agenda are not in harmony with the teachings of the Church.
- Church Newsroom publishes the Church's condemnation of the Charlottesville riots.
- Church Newsroom publishes the Church's condemnation of the Charlottesville riots that took place on August 11–12, 2017.
[65]↩︎
The 3.2 beer is a type of beer with 3.2 % alcohol by weight (AWB). According to the Renegade Brewing Website:
In a few states, 3.2 beer is the only type of alcoholic beverage that can be sold in grocery stores and supermarkets. In these states, other types of liquor such as wine or beer that have higher alcohol content are prohibited from being sold in public establishments such as groceries and supermarkets.
Marty Stephens, the Church's Director of Government Relations, said in a statement to FOX 13 that "the Church opposes Senate bill 132 in its current form."
He added, "We, along with other community groups, oppose legislation which represents a fifty percent increase in alcohol content for beer sold in grocery and convenience stores."
[66]↩︎
In February 2003, Bruce L. Olsen, press secretary to the First Presidency, released the following statement:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes no apology for its participation in the legislative process concerning the legal regulation of alcohol in the State of Utah. The Church has both the right and the responsibility to let its voice be heard on this important issue. The First Presidency has repeatedly declared that the regulation of alcoholic beverage consumption is a moral issue.
Accordingly, the Church has a long history of making its views on the subject known to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and the Legislature
- Church involved in alcohol legislation.
[67]↩︎
In January 2014, D. Todd Christofferson was asked about the Church and Utah's alcohol laws. He reiterated that the Church supports maintaining the distinction between restaurants and bars.
- Transcript of D. Todd Christofferson answering questions about Utah alcohol laws.
[68]↩︎
In 2021, they paid $10,000, and in 2020, the Church paid APCO Worldwide $20,000.
- Church lobbying the US Federal Government in 2020.
- Church lobbying the US Federal Government in 2021.
[69]↩︎
According to the Church in its Gospel Topics "Tithing" entry:
Tithing funds are always used for the Lord’s purposes—to build and maintain temples and meetinghouses, to sustain missionary work, to educate Church members, and to carry on the work of the Lord throughout the world.
- Official Church Website teaching that Tithing is used for construction of temples; no mention of tithing being used for political reasons.
[70]↩︎
The Church's investment arm reportedly has a fund of $100 billion. In a statement issued in December 2019 addressing this claim, the Church stated that the majority of tithes and donations "are used immediately to meet the needs of the growing church including more meetinghouses, temples, education, humanitarian work and missionary efforts."
They added:
Over many years, a portion is methodically safeguarded through wise financial management and the building of a prudent reserve for the future. This is a sound doctrinal and financial principle taught by the Savior in the Parable of the Talents and lived by the church and its members. All church funds exist for no other reason than to support the church’s divinely appointed mission.
- Deseret News reports on Church's response to $100 billion whistleblower.
[71]↩︎
Based on data from 2010 from the Association of Religious Data Archives, Salt Lake County is listed as having a Latter-day Saint population of 610,846 (59.33%) with Utah County having a Latter-day Saint population of 457,999 (88.66%).
- AORDA presents data on LDS population by percent of general population by county.
[72]↩︎
Temple Square, which consists of two city blocks, contains the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, Church Office Building, and other Church buildings.
- Current map of downtown Salt Lake City.

Political Issue or Policy	Earlier Position	Current Position
Bloc Voting	During the 1860s and 1870s, Church leaders urged the Saints to engage in bloc voting. For instance, Brigham Young[BIO] encouraged bloc voting[17] as did John Taylor.[BIO][18]	The Church no longer encourages "bloc voting," and instead encourages people to vote as individuals.[19]
Full-time Church Leaders Seeking Political Office	Joseph Smith ran for President of the United States, announcing his run on January 29, 1844,[20] and listed some of his reasons in a sermon on February 8, 1844.[21]	In the January 2019 statement, "The LDS Church Believes in Political Neutrality," the Church specifically prohibited General Authorities from any personal involvement in political campaigns entirely.[22]This statement would be updated on June 1, 2023, further underscoring the Church's neutrality.[23]
Full-time Church Leaders Seeking Political Office	In 1896, the Church issued the "Political Manifesto"[24] that allowed full-time Church leaders to seek political office if they received permission from their respective quorum leaders.[25]
Encouragement to join the Republican Party	In the 1890s, Church leaders encouraged members to try to vote for more Republican candidates because there were too many members that were Democrats.[26] By 1892, the Republican Party was strong in Utah politics.[27]	Today, the Church does not endorse any particular political party.[28]

Issue	Church Position	Comments
Women's Vote (1870)	For	On February 12, 1870, the Utah Legislature passed "An Act Conferring upon women the Elective Franchise" allowing all women over the age of twenty-one to vote in Utah.[47] This was positively received by Church leaders and women's voting was encouraged.[48] However, in 1887, the U.S. Senate passed Edmunds-Tucker Act (1887)[49] which (among other things)[50] removed the right for women to vote in Utah.[51] This right was not returned until the 1920 passing of the Nineteenth Amendment.[52]
Alcohol Prohibition	For	In the early twentieth century, the Church supported attempts to introduce Prohibition.[53] After the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919,[54] the Church opposed it being appealed.[55]
Federal Payments for Not Raising Crops on Farms (1941)	Opposed	The First Presidency of the Church opposed the legislation in the "New Deal" that resulted in federal payments for not raising crops on farms in a June 1941 letter addressed to Stake Presidents and Bishops.[56]
Equal Rights Amendment (1972–1982)	Opposed	In October 1976, the First Presidency issued a statement articulating the Church's opposition to ERA.[57]
Same-Sex Marriage (1997–2008)	Opposed	In 1997, the Church, alongside other institutions, produced an Amicus Brief filed in Baehr v. Miike.[58] In 2008, the Church mounted a state-wide campaigning effort in California to support Proposition 8.[59]
MX Missile Installation (1981)	Opposed	In May 1981, the First Presidency issued a statement opposing the construction of MX Missiles in Utah.[60]
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993	For	The Church came out in support of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act which was passed in 1993. [61]
Immigration Reform (2010s)	For	The Church supported a position that advocated for both border security and welcoming some immigration, even illegally.[62]
Nondiscrimination laws in Utah for members of the LGBTQ+ community (2015)	For	Church leaders in 2015 came out in public support for laws that would protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination with respect to housing and employment.[63]
Racism and Riots from the "Unite the Right" Rally (2017)	Opposed	In August 2017, the Church issued two statements condemning both racism in general as well as the Charlottesville riots and "white supremacy" specifically.[64]
Utah Alcohol Laws	For	In February 2019, the Church came out in opposition to Senate bill 132 which proposed the elimination of 3.2 beer in Utah.[65] The Church has made statements about participating in Utah's alcohol legislation being a concern it is openly active in and public about,[66] including the distinction between "bars" and "restaurants."[67]
Federal Fairness for All Act (2020–present)	For	In 2020 and 2021, the Church paid the professional firm APCO Worldwide[68] to lobby for the Fairness for All Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, or gender identity.