The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long-standing policy guiding top officials to stay out of electoral politics, but in case there was any confusion, the church reminded top leaders this week to avoid getting involved in the 2012 campaigns or even donating to candidates.
Two Mormons are running for the White House this election cycle, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, so the church is taking extra caution to make their position of neutrality clear.
"General Authorities and general officers of the Church and their spouses and other ecclesiastical leaders serving full-time should not personally participate in political campaigns, including promoting candidates, fundraising, speaking in behalf of or otherwise endorsing candidates, and making financial contributions," a June 16 church letter read.
The rules do not apply to full-time leaders at local churches. But even for lower-level officials, the church is urging discretion when discussing politics, and for them to make clear when such discussions occur that they do not speak on behalf of the church.More
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