The Mormons May Save US

In my ignorance, I imagined the LDS church as being very patriarchal and not likely to vote for a female president. But in my ignorance, I could be wrong. Although I am not a Mormon myself, the following quotes recently hit my inbox and considering the source, I am confident of its authenticity:

“…the Worldwide Leadership of the Church, known as the First Presidency, offers the following guidance to its members…We urge Latter-day Saints to be active citizens . . . exercising their right to vote, and . . . always demonstrating Christlike love and civility in political discourse….We urge you to . . . study candidates carefully and vote for those who have demonstrated integrity, compassion, and service to others, regardless of party affiliation. Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on “tradition” without careful study of candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10).” First Presidency Statement June 1, 2023.”

They don’t name a candidate, but it’s not hard to read between the lines. I applaud their flexibility and courage to cross party lines in service of their deeper values. The Mormons are a strong influence in all of the Intermountain West swing states like my own. In the past I have noted Mitt Romney’s courage (even though I don’t agree with him on many issues). Now I’m wondering if like-minded people right here in my own state could make or break this election.

On a related note, I think I’ve mentioned this group before, https://www.arizonarepublicanswhobelieve.org/

Thank you to all the courageous Republicans out there, willing to set aside tradition and habit and vote Democrat this time – for the good of our country. You are my heroes this year. And then hopefully the Republican party can pull itself away from the brink and offer some thoughtful candidates with integrity in the years to come. And maybe someday we can return the favor. Because we all are in this together.

To send me a comment, email turning51bykristina@gmail.com.

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