Mitt Romney and the LDS Church

Mitt Romney’s recent rise through the political ranks has brought a great deal of attention to the LDS Church. Since Romney is now in the running for the US Presidential Election, there are more people than ever trying to find out about our Church and it’s beliefs. Sadly, many are going to the wrong places, and are reading reports from bitter ex-members (who have usually been excommunicated), or false information fed by Romney’s political rivals.

Let’s get one thing clear here:

The LDS Church has no support for either political party. It has political neutrality, even if one of our members is in the running for the US Presidency. The Church has released a statement that read thus – “Principles compatible with the gospel are found in the platforms of all major political parties. While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs.”

The strangest thing is that many people are assuming that Romney’s faith is a reason to attack him. He is made the butt of jokes and has many critics who seem obsessed with his faith being a major part of his political campaign. Everyone seems to forget that the Church has members on both sides of the political battle. Harry Reid, a major advisor to the Obama administration is also a member of our Church, and there are numerous Democrat and Republican senators and representatives throughout the USA.

Put it this way, the LDS Church has no involvement in politics, but yet politics seem to insist on getting involved with the Church.

If Romney becomes President, then the Church won’t change. Nothing about it will be altered, because Romney doesn’t lead the Church. Jesus Christ does. The Saviour is the Captain of this ship, and whether one of our number becomes President or not, nothing will change in terms of what we believe and practice.

Most importantly, should Romney be successful in his attempt, then the American people will not be coerced into joining the Church, or forced to listen to our beliefs.

The bottom line is that the Church has no political allegiance, and as such, there are members on both sides. There are members of the LDS Church who are Democrat, Republican, Independent, and probably even some of are members of minority political parties. Just because one of the candidates for the Presidency is a member of the LDS Church, doesn’t mean anything will change. Obama is not forcing his religious beliefs on those who do not share them, so why do people believe that Romney would do the same?