Mormonism And The Presidency

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is different. It is different enough and unknown to a substantial potion of the electorate in the United States. As such, it is understandable that some in the electorate would be concerned enough to apply a litmus test for this religion for the presidency when the Constitution specifically prohibits it.

Despite Governor Mitt Romney’s background and demonstrated talents for leadership, competence, family values and persuasive abilities, he is judged as a flawed candidate because of his religious faith.

Politics and religion. As a member, I would like to explain LDS church beliefs to dispel fears about electing a Mormon as president.

My concern isn’t about trying to persuade evangelicals who have historically denied the legitimacy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They are concerned about the effect and influence of Governor Romney as a role model for this religion.

For them, religion trumps any political consideration on who the candidate might be - Hillary Clinton and the social values agenda she represents, Rudy Guiliani, and his poor role model for family values or an unelectable Mike Huckabee, John McCain or Fred Thompson.

My concern is not for those who question Governor Romney’s personal integrity or personality style. That is his job as a campaigner to clarify.

My concern is for that portion of the electorate who are genuinely ignorant of the LDS faith and want to know how Governor Romney might be influenced by a religion they don’t understand. Here are some key beliefs to consider.

- Separation of church and state. There is no threat about a LDS president taking political direction from the church when it comes to governance. The church proclaims freedom of religion for all people and loyalty to constitutionally elected governments. The church is politically neutral.

Allegiance to the oath of office for President of the United States is a true barrier to religious interference from the LDS church hierarchy. LDS members are loyal and patriotic members of whatever country they are citizens. Members serve in the armed forces and are encouraged to vote, be responsible law-abiding citizens and take part in political and community life.

- Personal morality. The church asserts moral authority over who is in good standing in the church and who is qualified to enter LDS temples. These are based on personal behavior concerning tithe paying, premarital chastity, fidelity in marriage, abstention from coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs, and not openly advocating against doctrines of the church. Governor Romney, as any member, is admonished to adhere to these requirements. The church also teaches moral agency and members are encouraged to prayerfully educate themselves - spiritually and intellectually - before making important personal decisions.

The church has taken moral stands and actively resists abortion, gambling and pornography as pernicious influences in society. Governor Romney took a pro-choice stand on abortion that differed from the church position. How he got there and how he changed back is his story to tell. It is informative that he could take a contrary position with no interference from the church.

- Pro-marriage. The church promotes the primacy of the family and marital relationships and provides church teachings and social supports to assist members in strengthening family life. Though members are not perfect, we are recognized in society for a wholesome and successful family lifestyle. Men and women are seen as equal and cooperating partners in achieving family goals.

Premarital chastity is expected of all, regardless of sexual identity. Sexual relations are to be expressed only in a marriage between one man and one woman. The church opposes same sex marriage. There is no logical inconsistency between opposing same sex marriage and opposing discrimination for all civil rights based on sexual orientation.

- Racial and gender equity. The LDS church is a worldwide church and aggressively proselytes in countries where it is legally permissible. Within the past 40 years the church has gone from a parochial North American church to a world wide church.

The church changed its policy in 1978 - by revelation or by political expediency depending on your point of view - by extending the priesthood to all worthy male members regardless of race. This was a watershed event for the church, for myself as a member, and for Governor Romney. It was welcomed with tears of joy.

The priesthood in the church is not extended to female members. Female members do have many leadership opportunities within the structure of various church organizations.

Mormon temples. The temples are sacred places of learning and spiritual instruction. Covenants are made. Marriages for eternity are performed. Ordinance work is performed for deceased ancestors. All these things are to assist members in living better lives and to prepare themselves for eternity. There is nothing seditious, immoral or improper that takes place in the temples.

Christians or not? We believe in atonement of Jesus Christ and how faith in Him is central to our salvation. We believe in the Bible. We believe the Book of Mormon also testifies of His divinity. We are Christian.

Others may regard us as being different, a cult or as an apostate form of Christianity. It is true that our conception of the trinity and acceptance of modern day revelation is substantially different from mainstream Christianity. By this restricted definition, many disqualify us from being called Christian. However, how we define ourselves or how others define us, shouldn’t disqualify a practicing Mormon from being president.