Friday, August 18, 2006

Church endorsement

I was exploring the Church website when I, again, came across the following statement:

"Candidates for public office should not imply that their candidacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders, and Church leaders and members should avoid statements or conduct that may be interpreted as Church endorsement of any political party, political platform, or candidate. In addition, members who hold public office should not give the impression they represent the Church as they work for solutions to social problems."

Bart Marcois, a former Bush official and member of the Church, said the political homogeny among church members negatively effects the Church's political influence.

This also causes me to recall a recent statement from the Church that said, "Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of all major political parties."

Not to mention the many statements by various Church leaders that one can be a worthy member of the Church and a Democrat.

I bring all of this up partly to justify my party. But, I mostly bring it up because I have found that many Republicans justify their political party based upon their interpretation of the teachings of the Church.

This is in direct violation of the Church's statement asking us to, "...avoid statements or conduct that may be interpreted as Church endorsement of any political party, political platform, or candidate."

One positive, and admirable example is Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho. He's a member of the Church and he refuses to connect his decisions with the Church. In fact, if you call his office, they have a statement prepared about his feelings about the seperation of Church and state, and his belief that his politics are not a characterization of his faithfulness.

I also ask Democrats to stay away from using faith as a justification for thier political leanings. For the benefit of the Church, we should try our hardest to keep politics with politics, and faith with Jesus Christ.

7 comments:

Blake Roberts said...
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Anonymous said...

I think it is misguided to say that our faith cannot influence our political ideas (- what else would?), but claiming to represent or be endorsed by the church is a sure sign of arrogance.

Jessica said...

Mike Simpson is a cigar smoking, whiskey drinking Mormon. He said this himself in an interview he gave in Washington D.C. Apparently it is also common knowledge that he has a woman on the side and even though he is from Blackfoot, he lost the precinct he lives in because his neighbors can't stand him. BTW, his neighbors and precinct are Republican.

Anonymous said...

Jessica,

That's incredible. I believe you, but I'd like to know how I can find that interview. If it's true, it's disappointing to know that he represents himself as a Mormon, yet brashly misrepresents us.

Anonymous said...

Mike Simpson is a Mormon, but it is widely know that he is inactive, and has some problems like Jessica said. I don't think it should not be that much of a surprise to you, Peter. It is public knowledge. Heck, I have been living in Mexico most of my life, and even I know that he is inactive.

Anonymous said...

Well, now I know. It's disappointing then to know that he uses his religion for political gain.

I've met the guy and I've read things he's written and he acts as though nothing is up.

Anonymous said...

He is your stereotypical Politician.