Sunday, August 8, 2021

David O. McKay on the Church's Approach to Politics

  

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)