Just moments after Jon M. Huntsman Jr. resigned his post as U.S. Ambassador to China yesterday, the Public Affairs office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City began receiving calls from prominent news organizations speculating about another possible presidential bid by a Mormon and asking for insights about both Ambassador Huntsman and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

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.

The political neutrality policy affirms that “the Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church’s neutrality in matters of party politics applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.” The full document encourages members to be responsible citizens, to be actively involved in civic matters in their respective communities and nations, and to vote for whomever they wish.

We have experienced many times the intense inquiry and attention that comes when a member, or members, of the faith are the focus of public attention. Such attention is in some ways simply a result of Church growth. With more than six million members in the United States, many of our members are now in public life. We welcome and encourage questions about our faith, but we will respect the bright line between talking about the Church and talking about candidates for public office.

Meanwhile, several articles on Newsroom will answer many of the questions the public and the media may have:

Who Are the Mormons?

A Mormon Worldview

The Religious Experience of Mormonism

The Grand Enterprise of Mormonism

Approaching Mormon Doctrine

Approaching Mormon History

Christianity: Following Jesus in Word and Deed (added 11/3/11)

In addition to these materials, much, much more detailed information regarding beliefs and practices can be found on Newsroom through the search engine and through the topic and background pages. Journalists and others can also follow newsroom.lds.org regularly to keep updated on Church statements and comments regarding coverage of the Church and issues related to it in the media.