Longfellow's
Christmas/Christmas Bells – Edward Herrman told this story at a
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. Here is the link for the
concert video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXfzp296zhA
“Christmas
Bells” is a minor, yet well known, poem written by a very
melancholy Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Morning in 1863
during the midst of the Civil War. It is anti-slavery poem as well
as a seasonal favorite.
The poem was written six months after
the battle of Gettysburg, where 40,000 soldiers lost their lives. In
addition to despairing over the bloody war, Henry was also mourning
the death of his beloved wife Fanny Appleton Longfellow. Fanny died
in a tragic fire the same year that the Civil War broke out.
In
November on 1862 another personal tragedy added to his plan. His
son, Union Lieutenant Charles Appleton, was wounded in the Army of
the Potomac. On Christmas morning in 1883, while sitting at his desk
at the Craigie House in Cambridge, MA, Henry was inspired to write a
poem as he listened to the church bells pealing. Their constancy and
joyous ringing inspired him to write “Christmas Bells”. In spite
of his sadness, Longfellow expresses his belief in God and innate
optimism that indeed:
God is not dead; nor doth he sleep
The Wrong shall fail;
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to
men!Sometime after 1872,
Longfellow's poem was adapted into a Christmas Carol. John B.
Caulkin (1827-1905) was a famous English composer who set the lyrics
to a gentle, melodic tune which is reminiscent of bells ringing. The
carol is entitled “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
Alternative tunes have been written for the lyrics but Caulkin's
melody remains predominant.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar
carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on
earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come, The
belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken
song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world
revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant
sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon
thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols
drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones
of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of
peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no
peace on earth," I said: "For hate is strong, And
mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God
is not dead; nor doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, The Right
prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Suggested Goal: Watch a Christmas Mormon Message on You Tube Today
Reading: Luke 2:7
Song: Away in a Manger
Thought/Story:
Twas many, many a year ago when Christ first came to earth
And each year December rolls around when we celebrate His birth.
He came to earth, then dies for us, to save us from our sins;
So let us, as we celebrate, allow His Spirit in.
For as we become so busy with our special preparations,
We tend to lose the sight of the real reason for celebrations.
Let's hold on to the mirabcle of our loving Savior's birth
And bring back to our memory the reason He came to earth.
So instead of being commercialized, with gifts to outdo all.
Let's give the gift of 'ourselves', whether it be big or small.
Let us not so dwell upon the gifts that money can buy
But let us give a 'heart gift'. and His Spirit will stand us by.
As we go about our preparations in the next few weeks ahead
Let us hold deep within our hearts the greatest miracle instead
Of whose gift is the greatest, the bst that money can buy;
Let us count our blessings and tehn let each one try
To bless those lives around us, and bring the Spirit in
Put "Christ' back into Christmas:
On November 7, 2012, the Philadelphia Art Commission gave the design of the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple the final nod with two last-minute dissenting votes. At the meeting, the applicants presented additional details on stormwater management, lighting, façade materials, and landscaping as requested during the their previous appearance before the Commission on October 3. One commissioner argued that honey locusts might be too lacy a choice for the building, and another commissioner voiced the opinion that while certain elements of the building were praiseworthy, the overall design was "too literal" in its classicism and imitative of its neighboring buildings. When the other commissioners were asked if they supported this opinion, no one responded. In the end, only these two commissioners voted "no" on the motion to approve the project.1
Groundbreaking Ceremony
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple on Saturday, September 17, 2011—the 224th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States at Philadelphia's Independence Hall.2
Construction Approval
In January 2010, Church officials met with top administration officials of the City of Philadelphia to review preliminary plans for the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple. Darrell Clarke, councilman for the 5th district, referred to the plans as magnificent. "I think it's important for the city of Philadelphia to have such a facility in the city, as opposed to the suburbs. I think the long-term benefits of bringing that many people—upwards of 400,000 visits per year to the city—is very significant."3
On Thursday, April 15, 2010, Councilman Clarke introduced a bill to the City Council to amend Section 14-1611 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Benjamin Franklin Parkway Controls." The proposed ordinance would exempt certain building features from being considered as part of the height of a building within a specified area subject to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Controls, which would allow for construction of the preliminarily designed Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple. The bill was referred to the Committee on Rules.4
On May 12, 2010, the Committee on Rules—a committee organized under the Philadelphia City Council—held a hearing to receive public comment on the ordinance, which would allow "monuments, belfries, cupolas, minarets, pinnacles, gables, spires, or ornamental towers not intended for human occupancy" to exceed the 125-foot height limit imposed on buildings subject to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Controls up to a maximum of 209 feet. Following the hearing, the Committee unanimously recommended City Council approval, which would permit construction of the temple with double spires that reach just over 200 feet high.5
On May 18, 2010, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission added its endorsement to the zoning code amendment recommended by the Committee on Rules. Church spokesman Ahmad Corbitt explained to the Commission that three meetings with the community had already been held where the plans were explained; neighbors were supportive. He also noted that the spires will not reach the top of the cross of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul across the Parkway.6
On June 3, 2010, the Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously to approve the height ordinance in its second and final vote, enacting the ordinance into law. The first vote was taken on May 20.
On June 7, 2010, interagency discord was plainly evident at a hearing where City Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell—chair of the committee on housing, neighborhood development, and the homeless—criticized the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) for taking legal action in an attempt to reclaim land in high-profile, Council-supported projects including the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple. "Why fight projects we support?" Blackwell asked RDA director Terry Gillen. The RDA brought legal action against Stephen Klein, who has development rights on the property, on grounds that he let the site sit undeveloped too long. Klein signed an agreement to sell the site to the Church on August 10, 2009.7
On August 2, 2010, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced that construction of the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple would move forward at its Vine Street location near Logan Square. The fate of the project came under question when the RDA attempted to seize the property by suing the site's developer for letting the property remain undeveloped for too long. RDA officials then offered to drop the lawsuit if the developer would would pay the agency 25 percent of the proceeds of the sale of the property to the Church. The mayor did not elaborate on how this dispute had been resolved, but he did express that the addition of the temple would make Benjamin Franklin Parkway "one of the most incredible boulevards anywhere in the world." Final site plans and architectural drawings, which may be available in September, still must go before the Planning Commission and City Council before final City approval is received.8
On September 8, 2010, Mayor Nutter announced the unpetitioned contribution of $300,000 from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Philadelphia's prisoner-reentry program, namely the Mayor's Office of Reintegration Services for Ex-Offenders (RISE). The program assists former prisoners to reenter society through schooling, job training, job placement, housing, drug and alcohol treatment, and "life coaches." Church leaders selected the program because "it fits with the mission of the Church." The month before, the mayor announced preliminary approval of the Church's plan to construct the Philadelphia temple. Renderings of the project have not been released, but the groundbreaking is expected to occur in late 2011 with completion anticipated in 2014.9
On September 21, 2010, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Center City Redevelopment Area Plan, which would accommodate the Church's plans for facilities on Vine Street, including the temple.
On March 24, 2011, the Philadelphia City Council approved a contract between the Church and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, designating the Church as the developer of the site at 1601 Vine Street—next door to the temple site at 1701 Vine Street. Purchase of the property has been finalized, which is intended to be used for a mixed-use development.
On October 3, 2012, the Philadelphia Art Commission granted conceptual approval to plans to erect the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple. Commission Chair Sean Buffington requested that the applicants return with more clarity on the depth and richness of the building's fa&ccedi;ade, a better plan for the landscaping and stormwater use, a selection of alternate views of the building and its impact on its "very distinguished neighbors," and a more complete lighting scheme.10
Temple District
The Church has indicated that the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple will serve members from eight stakes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. These stakes are presumably the Cherry Hill New Jersey Stake, Harrisburg Pennsylvania Stake, Philadelphia Pennsylvania Stake, Reading Pennsylvania Stake, Scranton Pennsylvania Stake, Valley Forge Pennsylvania Stake, Williamsport Pennsylvania Stake, and Wilmington Delaware Stake. Since this announcement, the Wilmington Delaware Stake has divided to create the Dover Delaware Stake.
Temple Design
The granite-clad Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple has been designed with architectural elements to complement the classic architecture exhibited in the neighboring buildings and throughout historic Philadelphia where the United States was founded in 1776. The spires, for example, are reminiscent of the clock tower on Independence Hall, and the period furnishings inside the temple will create an air of historic Philadelphia. Exquisite panes of stained glass will run the length of the building, which will be surrounded by a landscaped plaza featuring a reflecting pool and gorgeous gardens open to the public. Also on site will be a low-profile temple services building. Ample parking will be provided by an underground facility.
B. Jeffrey Stebar of the Atlanta office of Perkins+Will was selected as the lead architect of the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple. President Stebar is a counselor in the stake presidency of the Fayetteville Georgia Stake.
Temple Site
The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple will be erected in Center City Philadelphia on the site of a parking lot at the northeast corner of Vine Street and North 18th Street across from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and diagonal to beautiful Logan Square.11
The temple was originally to be a multipurpose building constructed at the northeast corner of North Broad Street and Noble Street, but contamination problems on the site—discovered after the purchase—prohibited the Church from using the entire parcel as planned. Church officials began combing the city for another suitable site and by May 2009, they had contacted Stephen Klein dba Logan Place Associates about his Vine Street property. On August 10, 2009, Klein signed an agreement to sell the property to the Church for an undisclosed sum.12
Late in 2010, the Church became the owners of the Vine Street property when sale of the parcel was finalized. Peter Kelsen, a Blank Rome attorney representing the Church on the project, indicated that the Church would quickly move forward with the necessary land and zoning approvals to allow ground to be broken. He noted that an opening is targeted for 2013.13
Temple Announcement
President Thomas S. Monson announced that the City of Brotherly Love would be home to Pennsylvania's first temple during his opening remarks of the 178th Semiannual General Conference. The temple was announced jointly with four other temple locations including Calgary, Canada; Córdoba, Argentina; Kansas City, Missouri; and Rome, Italy.14
Several significant events in Church history took place in Pennsylvania including much of the translation of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of priesthood authority. The Church was first established in Pennsylvania in 1839—growing to 450 members by October 1840. Membership fell following the migration of the Saints to Salt Lake but grew again as Mormon European emigrants arrived. Eventually the first stake was organized in 1960 with 1,100 members located in congregations in southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Today there are nearly 48,000 members in Pennsylvania alone.15
Temple Facts
The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple will be the first temple built in Pennsylvania.
Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy unveiled the official rendering of the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple for the first time at a VIP event held prior to a Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert in Philadelphia's Mann Center on June 24, 2011.
The below talk is from our October General Conference and brought up by a member of our high council. I took a look at it and thought it really worth sharing for our quorum.
Take the few minutes out of your life and pray and ponder on what you would give up for the exchange of your soul.
"We are to give up all our sins, big or small, for the Father’s reward of eternal life."
The Savior once asked His disciples the following question: “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”1
This
is a question that my father taught me to carefully consider years ago.
As I was growing up, my parents assigned me chores around the house and
paid me an allowance for that work. I often used that money, a little
over 50 cents a week, to go to the movies. Back then a movie ticket cost
25 cents for an 11-year-old. This left me with 25 cents to spend on
candy bars, which cost 5 cents apiece. A movie with five candy bars! It
couldn’t get much better than that.
All
was well until I turned 12. Standing in line one afternoon, I realized
that the ticket price for a 12-year-old was 35 cents, and that meant two
less candy bars. Not quite prepared to make that sacrifice, I reasoned
to myself, “You look the same as you did a week ago.” I then stepped up
and asked for the 25-cent ticket. The cashier did not blink, and I
bought my regular five candy bars instead of three.
Elated
by my accomplishment, I later rushed home to tell my dad about my big
coup. As I poured out the details, he said nothing. When I finished, he
simply looked at me and said, “Son, would you sell your soul for a
nickel?” His words pierced my 12-year-old heart. It is a lesson I have
never forgotten.
Years
later I found myself asking this same question to a less-active
Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He was a wonderful man who loved his family.
He, however, had not been to church for many years. He had a talented
son who played on an elite travel sports team that practiced and played
games on Sunday. That team had won multiple major championships. As we
met, I reminded him that, as a priesthood holder, he was promised that
if he magnified his oath and covenant, he would receive “all that [our]
Father hath.”2
I then asked him, “Is a national championship worth more than all the
Father has?” He gently said, “I see your point” and made an appointment
to visit with his bishop.
Today
it is so easy to get caught up in the noise of the world—despite our
good intentions. The world presses us to “[look] beyond the mark.”3
Someone recently asked me, “Does one drink really matter?” Can you see
that is the adversary’s question? Cain asked, “Who is the Lord that I
should know him?”4 and then lost his soul. With self-justification of petty sins, Satan triumphs. For a bottle of milk,5 a misspelled name,6 a mess of pottage,7 birthrights and inheritances have been traded.
As
we consider the nickel or national-championship exchanges in our lives,
we can either self-justify our actions, like Cain, or look to submit to
the will of God. The question before us is not whether we are doing
things which need correcting, because we always are. Rather, the
question is, will we “shrink” or “finish” the call upon our soul to do
the will of the Father?8
The Lord loves our righteousness but asks of us continued repentance and submission. In the Bible
we read that it was a commandment-keeping, wealthy young man who knelt
before the Savior and asked what he needed to do to have eternal life.
He turned away grieved when the Savior said, “One thing thou lackest: …
sell whatsoever thou hast.”9
Yet,
it was another wealthy but worldly man, the chief Lamanite king, the
father of Lamoni, who also asked the same question about eternal life,
saying: “What shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked
spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit[?] … I will
forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.”10
Do you remember the response the Lord gave the king through His
servant Aaron? “If thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down
before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall
receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.”11
When
the king understood the sacrifice required, he humbled and prostrated
himself and then prayed, “O God, … I will give away all my sins to know
thee.”12
This
is the exchange the Savior is asking of us: we are to give up all our
sins, big or small, for the Father’s reward of eternal life. We are to
forget self-justifying stories, excuses, rationalizations, defense
mechanisms, procrastinations, appearances, personal pride, judgmental
thoughts, and doing things our way. We are to separate ourselves from
all worldliness and take upon us the image of God in our countenances.13
Brothers
and sisters, remember that this charge is more than just not doing bad
things. With an engaged enemy we must also act and not sit in
“thoughtless stupor.”14
Taking upon the countenance of God means serving each other. There are
sins of commission and sins of omission, and we are to rise above both.
While
serving as a mission president in Africa, I was forever taught this
great truth. I was on my way to a meeting when I saw a young boy alone,
crying hysterically on the side of the road. A voice within me said,
“Stop and help that boy.” As quick as I heard this voice, in a split
second, I rationalized: “You can’t stop. You will be late. You’re the
presiding officer and can’t walk in late.”
When
I arrived at the meetinghouse, I heard the same voice say again: “Go
help that boy.” I then gave my car keys to a Church member named Afasi
and asked him to bring the boy to me. About 20 minutes later, I felt a
tap on my shoulder. The young boy was outside.
He
was about 10 years of age. We found out his father was dead and his
mother was in jail. He lived in the slums of Accra with a caretaker, who
gave him food and a place to sleep. To earn his board, he sold dried
fish on the streets. But after this day of hawking, when he reached in
his pocket, he found a hole in it. He had lost all his earnings. Afasi
and I knew immediately that if he returned without the money, he would
be called a liar, most likely beaten, and then cast out onto the street.
It was in that moment of alarm when I first saw him. We calmed his
fears, replaced his loss, and took him back home to his caretaker.
As
I went home that evening, I realized two great truths. First, I knew as
never before that God is mindful of each of us and will never forsake
us; and second, I knew that we must always hearken to the voice of the
Spirit within us and go “straightway”15 wherever it takes us, regardless of our fears or any inconvenience.
One
day the disciples asked the Savior who was the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven. He told them to be converted, humble, and submissive as
little children. He then said, “The Son of man is come to save that
which [is] lost.”16
With that one sentence, He defined our mission. We are to go to the
rescue—to the lost, the last, and the least. It is not enough to avoid
evil; we must “suffer his cross”17 and “be anxiously engaged,”18 helping others to conversion. With compassion and love we embrace the prodigal,19 answer the cries of orphans in hysteria, the pleas of those in darkness and despair,20
and the distress calls of family in need. “Satan need not get everyone
to be like Cain or Judas … ,” said Elder Neal A. Maxwell. “He needs only
to get able men … to see themselves as sophisticated neutrals.”21
After
a recent stake conference, a teenage boy approached me and asked, “Does
God love me?” May our lives of service always affirm that God forsakes
no one.
To
the question, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Satan
would have us sell our lives for the candy bars and championships of
this world. The Savior, however, calls us, without price, to exchange
our sins, to take upon us His countenance, and to take that into the
hearts of those within our reach. For this we may receive all that God
has, which we are told is greater than all the combined treasures of
this earth.22 Can you even imagine?
On
a recent trip to Nicaragua, I noticed a plaque in the modest home of a
family we visited. It read, “My testimony is my most precious
possession.” So it is with me. My testimony is my soul’s treasure, and
in the integrity of my heart, I leave you my witness that this church is
God’s true Church, that our Savior stands at its head and directs it
through His chosen prophet. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Congratulate President on Election Win
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the
following statement Tuesday:
We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.
After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come
together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our
national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations. We
invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to
pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as
they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national
leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the
great trust afforded to them by the American people.
We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of
our democratic process, which, by its nature, demands so much of those
who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family
every success in their future endeavors.
Tomorrow it is said to be going to be a tight election race.
Each of us have our own personal thoughts on whom and what we will vote for, but in the Octover Ensign there was great article on the importance of our voice being heard.
Included is the standing on the church in voting.
Hope you enjoy.
The Voice of the People
By Michael A. Neider
May we be a part of “the voice of the people” that chooses right and blesses our communities and families as a result.
It happens
almost every time. Even when I have to wait in line for more than an
hour and am late for an appointment, I still feel the honor, privilege,
and joy of voting. The Spirit has always witnessed to me the virtue of
participating in local and national elections.
Voting
in government elections and performing other civic duties when we have
the opportunity is a sacred responsibility, a God-given blessing, and a
duty to be carried out with honor and trust.
I have a
testimony of the importance of “being subject to kings, presidents,
rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12).
Because we are subject to rulers, we must do all we can in diplomatic,
legal, and supportive ways to select and help elect officials who are
honest, wise, and good (see D&C 98:10).
We should also consider running for office ourselves and support laws
that observe the “principle of freedom in maintaining rights and
privileges, [which belong] to all mankind, and [are] justifiable before
me” (D&C 98:5).
I am always pleased when a First Presidency letter is read in sacrament
meeting just before each election encouraging Latter-day Saints to be
involved in the election process and to choose able and honest political
and governmental leaders. The First Presidency reminds us that “as
citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and
influencing public policy. … We urge you to register to vote, to study
the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote.”1
Our
elected officials are obligated to God and to the electorate to work for
and to preserve peace, order, security, and prosperity so that God can
bless His children. For its part, the electorate is obligated to direct
its desires toward righteousness. The Book of Mormon teaches:
“It is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right. …
“And if
the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then
is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you” (Mosiah 29:26–27).
As in
the times of the Book of Mormon judges, today many people have the
freedom to express their voice by their actions and votes. But if the
people of our day choose iniquity, we too can expect “the judgments of
God” to come upon us, which may result in a reduction of our freedom and
security.
The Spirit of Service
I believe that the Holy Ghost
can inspire God’s children to become positive, contributing members of
the community and to work toward orderly government. On many occasions I
have felt the Spirit while engaged in Church and community service.
As a
teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood, I felt the Spirit’s confirmation as I
thinned sugar beets on our stake farm in Tyhee, Idaho, USA. We teachers
found the work hard, but when we had finished, we felt joy in having
done our duty. The feeling was like a quiet whisper to me, saying,
“Mike, you are a good boy for having done your work.” When our teachers
quorum president encouraged us to do extra rows because “the bishop is
not able to do all this work alone,” we mustered our strength and got
back to work. By the time we had finished, we were especially tired and
hungry. But by doing more than our assigned rows, we felt God’s
approbation even more strongly.
I have
felt the same confirming spirit of service while working in a Church
cannery, at a pea vinery, in a bishops’ storehouse, and while helping a
neighbor in need. I have felt the Spirit while working on school
district committees, on fund-raising committees for medical
institutions, and on other civic and governmental committees and
commissions seeking to advance opportunities for children, address
medical needs, and find solutions for community challenges.
I
attended a school luncheon where my 83-year-old mother was recognized as
School Volunteer of the Year. After my sister Julie had passed away, my
mother moved closer to Julie’s family
in order to be closer to Julie’s children. My mother served as a school
volunteer almost every day, assisting a teacher and helping children
learn to read and complete their assignments. I was grateful that the
president of the Parent-Teacher Association and school leaders
recognized her tireless efforts.
Through
her example my mother inspired many others, including members of her
own family, to serve and strengthen individuals and families, friends
and neighbors.
God
has instructed us to “be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many
things of [our] own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness” (D&C 58:27). The Lord will help us achieve surprising results when we act in appropriate and diplomatic ways to accomplish good causes.
Making a Difference
During
a visit to Japan, I learned that in one area the academic emphasis to
prepare students for higher education opportunities created scheduling
problems for Latter-day Saint youth who wanted to participate in
seminary, Mutual, and even Sunday worship services. Local Church members
prayed for solutions and then united with parents from various faiths
and approached school officials. They patiently explained the need to
adjust schedules, explaining how children, families, and the community
would benefit as a result. Even then, many thought a solution would be
impossible.
A new
schedule was proposed and refined so that students could become more
involved in family and church responsibilities while still attending
classes and athletic events. The new schedule was approved through the
diligent, tireless, and diplomatic efforts of all, bringing the
sought-for blessings and opportunities. The impossible had been
achieved!
“We
urge our members to do their civic duty and to assume their
responsibilities as individual citizens in seeking solutions to the
problems which beset our cities and communities,” the First Presidency
has counseled. “Church members cannot ignore the many practical problems
that require solution if our families are to live in an environment
conducive to spirituality.”
The
First Presidency added, “Where solutions to these practical problems
require cooperative action with those not of our faith, members should
not be reticent in doing their part in joining and leading in those
efforts where they can make an individual contribution to those causes
which are consistent with the standards of the Church.”2
In working in the community, we should make sure that people understand we represent only ourselves. Handbook 1
states: “Candidates for public office should not imply that their
candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders. Church leaders and
members should also avoid statements or conduct that might be
interpreted as Church endorsement of any political party, platform,
policy, or candidate.”3
May we
follow the counsel of our leaders as we seek through the Spirit ways to
support good public policy. And may we be part of “the voice of the
people” that works for what is right, blessing our families,
communities, and nations as a result.
The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This
applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.
The Church does not:
Endorse, promote, or oppose political parties, candidates, or platforms.
Allow its Church buildings, membership lists, or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party
they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a
candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.
The Church does:
Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in
their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting
in elections.
Expect its members to engage in the political process in an
informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the
Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have
differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a
nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or
moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.
In the
United States, where nearly half of the world’s Latter-day Saints live,
it is customary for the Church at each national election to issue a
letter to be read to all congregations encouraging its members to vote
but emphasizing the Church’s neutrality in partisan political matters.
