LETTER: Mormons can’t be liberals

Editor,

Mr. Jon Cox’s editorial on Mormon Democrats was essentially correct, however fundamentally flawed. Democrat is just a word that describes political party membership. The policies that are supported by that party change over time. One-hundred years ago Republicans were liberal and Democrats were conservative. The true issue is whether or not you can be Mormon and support liberal policies. We have a responsibility to vote for the issues of right and wrong, based on the standards and teachings of the Church.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rarely takes stands on political policies. There are exceptions, however. In the 1970s, the Church was opposed to the Equal Rights Amendment. Today the Church’s official statement on marriage is that marriage between a man and a woman “is ordained of God.

“Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

Mr. Cox correctly pointed out that Latter-day Saints are encouraged to prayerfully study the issues and candidates. Following direction from God is a sure way to vote correctly. I don’t believe that you can associate or affiliate with a party that supports policies that are contrary to Church teachings. You can be a Democrat and not agree with a policy that is contrary to Church teachings(abortion, gay marriage), but the moment you vote to support that same party, you become in opposition to that Church teaching.

Legal abortion, exclusion of religion from schools and government, and gay marriage, are liberal policies. Like it or not, the LDS Church is conservative in its teachings and will continue to advocate the living of like principles. Yes, Mr. Cox, you can be a Mormon Democrat, but you cannot be a Mormon liberal.

That is an oxymoron.

Dan Christensen