The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has addressed political participation, voting and the political neutrality of the Church in a June 1 letter that is being read to Latter-day Saints in the United States in their ward and branch sacrament meetings.
On the same day the letter was sent to general authorities as well as Area Seventies; stake, mission, district and temple presidencies; and bishoprics and branch presidencies in the United States, the Church’s “Political Neutrality” topic page on ChurchofJesusChrist.org was updated and expanded.
“Participation” was added to the “Political Neutrality” page’s title, which is highlighted at the start of subject line of the June 1 First Presidency letter.
“Participation in the political process affects their [U.S. citizens’] communities and nations today and in the future,” says the letter, signed by President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring.
As in previous First Presidency letters, the latest directive reemphasizes the Church’s political neutrality and its encouragement for members to vote and participate in civic affairs. It also underscores the importance to be informed about issues and candidates and that some principles compatible with the gospel can be found in various political parties and platforms.
The letter also encourages members to study candidates carefully and to vote for those demonstrating integrity, compassion and service to others — regardless of party affiliation.
“Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on ‘tradition’ without careful study of the candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards,” the letter states, citing Doctrine and Covenants 98:10 and adding that information on candidates is available through the internet, debates and other sources.
In reaffirming the Church’s institutional neutrality on political parties and issues, the First Presidency also reminded that the Church may post information about particular issues that affect its mission, teachings or operations or that Church leaders believe are essential to preserving democracy or the functioning of the U.S. Constitution.
“Political choices and affiliations should not be the subject of any teaching or advocating in Church settings. Leaders ensure that Church meetings focus on our Heavenly Father, our Savior, and the gospel,” the letter concludes, directing members to the “Political Neutrality and Participation” topic page on newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and Section 38.8.30 on “Political and Civic Activity” in the Church’s General Handbook.
In its entirety, the June 1, 2023, letter reads:
To: General Authorities and the following leaders in the United States: Area Seventies; Stake, Mission, District, and Temple Presidencies; Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies
(To be read in sacrament meeting)
Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Citizens of the United States have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects their communities and nation today and in the future. We urge Latter-day Saints to be active citizens by registering, exercising their right to vote, and engaging in civic affairs, always demonstrating Christlike love and civility in political discourse.
We urge you to spend the time needed to become informed about the issues and candidates you will be considering. Some principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties, and members should seek candidates who best embody those principles. Members should also study candidates carefully and vote for those who have demonstrated integrity, compassion, and service to others, regardless of party affiliation. Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on “tradition” without careful study of candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10). Information on candidates is available through the internet, debates, and other sources.
While the Church affirms its institutional neutrality regarding political parties and issues, it may occasionally post information about particular issues that directly affect the mission, teachings, or operations of the Church or that Church leaders believe are essential to preserving democracy or the essential functioning of the United States Constitution.
Political choices and affiliations should not be the subject of any teaching or advocating in Church settings. Leaders ensure that Church meetings focus on our Heavenly Father, our Savior, and the gospel. For more information, see newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.8.30.
Sincerely yours,
The First Presidency
(signatures of Presidents Nelson, Oaks and Eyring)