Salt Lake Parleys Stake Presidency Message

The Salt Lake Parleys Stake Presidency has prepared the following statement for your careful consideration:

We feel the need to draw your attention to the teachings of Jesus when he taught: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9)._[1]  President Nelson reminds us that Latter-day Saints are in a “pivotal position to emerge as peacemakers.”_[2] As “peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3), our objective is to become a people who practice peace and reconciliation (See 2 Corinthian 5:18-21).

Unfortunately, our current cultural and political climate is one of division and discord. In last week’s General Conference, President Oaks acknowledged: “We live in a time of anger and hatred in political relationships and policy. . .  Unfortunately some of this has even spilled over into political statements and unkind references in our church meetings.”_[3]  

The Savior invites us to interact with each other in a higher, holier, and “more excellent way” (Ether 12:11)._[4]  The scriptures encourage us to become “one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) and to avoid creating “stumbling-blocks” for others along the covenant path (See Romans 14:13). 

While we believe that people act with the best of intentions, we can do better.  Political discourse in our church meetings, no matter how well-intentioned, leads to division, hinders the building of Zion, and slows our progress as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ (See Moses 7:18).  We invite and encourage you to rise above the political contention_[5] of the world – especially at Church, where we worship together and “speak one with another concerning the welfare of [our] souls” (Moroni 6:5).

We strongly encourage you to engage in the political process as instructed by the First Presidency in their letter read over the pulpit today.  Exercise your sacred right to vote and encourage others to do the same.  Support candidates; know their positions; learn where the Church stands on particular moral issues; get involved in public service.  Finally, be wise to avoid division at Church and instead work to foster harmony and strengthen faith in Jesus Christ.  

We love and pray for you as we work together to have our “hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another” (Mosiah 18:21) and thereby come unto Christ.  May the Lord bless each of you in these efforts.

[1] See also 3 Nephi 12:9.

[2] President Russell M. Nelson, “Blessed are the Peacemakers”, October 2002 General Conference.

[3] President Dallin H. Oaks, “Love Your Enemies,” October 2020 General Conference.

[4] See also President Russell M. Nelson, “Opening Remarks”, April 2018 General Conference.

[5] See 3 Nephi 11:29-30.