Politics
We are approaching a
general election, in which tension becomes high; sometimes feelings are engendered;
often false reports are made, and innocent people are misjudged.
Recently we heard
that in one meeting it was stated authoritatively by somebody that two members
of the General Authorities had said that the General Authorities of the Church
had held a meeting and had decided to favor one of the leading political
parties over the other. This report is not true, and I take this opportunity
here, publicly, to denounce such a report as without foundation in fact.
In the Church, there
are members who favor the Democratic party. There are other members who sincerely
believe and advocate the principles and ideals of the Republican party. The
First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and other officers who constitute
the General Authorities of the Church, preside over members of both political
parties. The welfare of all members of the Church is equally considered by the
President, his Counselors, and the General Authorities. Both political parties
will be treated impartially.
This does not mean,
however, that error will be condoned. Teachings and ideologies subversive to
the fundamental principles of this great Republic, which are contrary to the
Constitution of the United States, or which are detrimental to the progress of
the Church, will be condemned, whether advocated by Republicans or Democrats.
We are all united in
admonishing the members of the Church to register. We advocate the necessity of
all members of the Church showing appreciation of your franchise, your
citizenship, by voting, exercising your right to say who shall be your leaders.
They become your servants. That is the spirit of the Constitution.
You hold the right to
say who shall direct this nation and who shall direct our affairs in state,
county, and municipality. Everybody should exercise this right. (David O.
McKay, Pathways to Happiness [comp. Llewelyn R. McKay; Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
Inc., 1957], 223-24)