First presidency urges respect, civility in public discourse


Published/Last Modified on Monday, November 17, 2008 2:18 PM MST


 SALT LAKE CITY  - Five months ago, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter to members of the Church in California, encouraging them to join the millions of other Californians from many religious denominations, ethnic groups and political persuasions in a broad coalition to defend marriage as it has been defined for millennia.


During the election campaign, both sides of the argument on Proposition 8 had ample opportunities to express their viewpoint. The result was conclusively in favor of traditional marriage. More than 40 states in the United States have now voted to protect traditional marriage, either directly or through their elected representatives.

Today the First Presidency issued this statement about the democratic process:

Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism.  People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation.  The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America.

The Church is keenly aware of the differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive matter. The reasons for this principled stand in defense of marriage have already been articulated elsewhere. However, some of what we have seen since Californians voted to pass Proposition 8 has been deeply disappointing.

Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues.  People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal.  Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.  

We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Dan wrote on Nov 19, 2008 8:45 PM:

    " The best way to deal with feeling of self pity are to think of all the beautiful things in life. Be thankful for what you do have, life can be so beautiful. Violence is a reaction to self pity, maybe because things didn't go your way. Try turning your energy into somthing positive rather than a negative reaction. In doing so you will find life so much more rewarding. ~~~ Dan "

    SB wrote on Nov 19, 2008 8:41 PM:

    " It's too bad those against Prop 8 and now expressing their displeasure at its passage can't show the same tolerance they demand of everyone else. "

    CS wrote on Nov 18, 2008 9:33 PM:

    " I think that what has happened in California and other places against those who did not aggree with Prop 8 has been a tragedy. I am not a citizen of California but do support the LDS church and other institutions and people who support traditional marriage. It is my opinion that those who think that the LDS church used fear or intimidation do not understand what the church has said or what the church teaches. This is a great example of people only seeing what they want to. The church does not wish to make anyone unhappy or intimidate. "

    robma wrote on Nov 17, 2008 2:54 PM:

    " I think it is possible to agree on the point of this article, if the LDS chuch and other anti gay family organization in future refrain from

    - inciting fear and hatred against a minority
    - using lies and deception, bearing false witness againt their fellow beings to make their case
    - attack and insult our families
    - actively try to undermine protection for our loved ones and children.

    Thanks. "

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