Editor’s Note: We here, at Utah Standard News, support the efforts of Christians everywhere who call upon our Heavenly Father to guide and protect our country. The following posts by the LDS Church and the Faith and Action group in Washington, D.C. reflect our sentiments.

News Release  –  5 OCTOBER 2016 – SALT LAKE CITY

First Presidency 2016 Letter Encouraging Political Participation, Voting in US

The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 5, 2016, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States:Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church

As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future. We urge Latter-day Saints to be active citizens by registering, exercising their right to vote, and engaging in civic affairs.

We also urge you to spend the time needed to become informed about the issues and candidates you will be considering. Along with the options available to you through the Internet, debates, and other sources, the Church occasionally posts information about particular moral issues on which it has taken a position at www.MormonNewsroom.org.

Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties, and members should seek candidates who best embody those principles.

While the Church affirms its institutional neutrality regarding political parties and candidates, individual members should participate in the political process. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The First Presidency

in-god-we-trust-submittedby

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

Who are you turning to for help today . . . tomorrow . . . and on Election Day, November 8th?

God loved His people, but time and again, He had to remind them where their real help – their real salvation – came from. It was not their protective walls (Deuteronomy 28), nor their powerful military (remember Gideon), or their judges and kings that protected, guided, and saved the people of Israel; it was the Lord their God.

Less than one week out from the presidential election on November 8th, we need to be reminded (all of God’s people) that it is not ultimately in our presidential candidates, nor our electoral system, or even our beloved Constitution that we place our trust as citizens of God’s kingdom, but in the Lord Jesus Christ himself. He is the One who ordains and sets up kings and kingdoms, and as his people, we are to do our part in trusting God and being a good citizen of His Word and our country. So we do the following:

57627946d6c4de9ed6d9ff23b01afbe5WE PRAY
The most important thing we can do when facing a difficult crossroads in life is to get on our knees and pray. That’s why Faith and Action developed the 40 Days of Prayer program which goes right up to Election Day. If you have been diligently praying, keep it up! And if you haven’t prayed, start now! There is no greater place and person to communicate with and put our trust in then the Lord our God.

WE VOTE
As believers in a country where we do have both a right and a say as to whom will be elected, it is our responsibility to vote. The Lord has placed us in a country with this freedom and we need to be mindful of this privilege by doing our research and seeking God’s guidance as to the best choice in light of God’s Word and will. Remember, in all areas of life (even presidential elections) we are seeking God’s will not our own.

WE TRUST 
Just as God was continually teaching His chosen people of Israel to trust Him with every aspect of their lives, so we too as believers in Christ must trust Him with the results of this election. The Lord already knows who will be the next President – He is Sovereign; nothing comes as a surprise to Him. But He does give us free will as well, and He desires that we choose to trust in Him alone – for the church, for our country, for the election, and for our future. As the classic hymn states, “Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.”

All of us at Faith and Action are following these three steps in regards to the election. And, as a missionary ministry to leaders in Washington, D.C., we know full well that our job to reach decision-makers in our nation’s capital with the Gospel of Christ does not end on November 8th – it starts anew on November 9th. Whoever wins the presidency will bring with them a new administration – filled with leaders that need to hear the truth of the Gospel!

So on November 9th, we prepare for a new group of public servants who will be taking their places in Washington, D.C. in January. AND, we continue to share our Christian witness on Capitol Hill through our LIVE NATIVITY production. This is the only time the full meaning of CHRIST-mas is both proclaimed and dramatically displayed for everyone on Capitol Hill to hear and see. Nothing captures attention like a live presentation of the Holy family of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus.

There is no doubt that Faith and Action’s work in Washington, D.C. will be needed more now than ever. We need to be prepared for 2017 – with a new President, a new administration, and new opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

You are a part of our team – a critical part of our team because you make it possible for us to even be here in Washington, D.C. Every time we hold an event, meet with and share the Gospel with congressional members, encourage godly wisdom with Supreme Court judges, and publicly display the Gospel and glory of Christ, you are right there with us.

Please join us in trusting the Lord, not only for the election but AFTER the election. Nothing is impossible with God, and it may be that Faith and Action is here in Washington, D.C. for such a time as this! Will you help us by providing monthly mission support or a generous gift? We’re ready to immediately process your tax-deductible donation by calling Patty Bills at 202-546-8329, or you can visit our website at www.faithandaction.org. Also, you can mail your gift to Faith and Action 109 2nd St., NE, Washington D.C., 20002.

Please know your support of this missionary outreach to top elected and appointed officials is never taken for granted. We genuinely appreciate you and thank God for your partnership with us.

Your always thankful missionary to Washington, D.C.,


Rev. Rob Schenck