REXBURG — The LDS Church has issued a statement regarding the church's stance on Idaho gubernatorial candidate Rex Rammell's "elders only" meetings.

Kim Farah, spokeswomen for the LDS church, issued this statement:

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is politically neutral and does not endorse or promote any candidate, party or platform. Accordingly, we hope that the campaign practices of political candidates would not suggest that their candidacy is supported by or connected to the church.

"The so-called 'White Horse Prophecy' is based on accounts that have not been substantiated by historical research and is not embraced as Church doctrine."

The White Horse Prophecy was allegedly given by LDS church founder Joseph Smith. According to accounts, Smith states that "the U.S. Constitution will hang by a thread" and that the elders of the LDS church will step up and save it.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Rammell reaffirmed his belief of the prophecy based on his own personal research of alleged statements by former LDS President Ezra Taft Benson.

He issued this statement to the press:

"In order to motivate my fellow elders in the LDS church, I have invited many to attend meetings to discuss Joseph's prophecy and how we can help save the Constitution. Some people, LDS and non-LDS, think it is inappropriate for me to hold such meetings. I think that is ridiculous.

"I have and will hold meetings with all kinds of groups in Idaho. I will speak to each group on matters that are of interest to and directly affect them individually. As such, it would only be appropriate for me to address Joseph Smith's prophecy with people who believe he was a prophet."

Rammell's first meeting will held at the Hampton Inn in Idaho Falls between 7 and 8 p.m. on Jan. 19. Subsequent meetings will be held in Rexburg, Blackfoot, Pocatello, Twin Falls and Boise.

NATE SUNDERLAND