Monday, May 7, 2012
VIDEO: Political Neutrality of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Explained
Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while also participating in politics has been an awkward dual role to acclimate too. Much of the awkwardness has to do with respecting the political neutrality of the Church while at the same time participating in church activities and fellowship.
I can recall many times when members of my congregation would come up to me in a church hallway and say, "Hey, what do you think about [X] issue?". I think people are naturally curious and excited to discuss issues, regardless of the venue, especially when someone they know is involved in the process.
Nevertheless, when spending most of my days at the State Capitol during the General Session and then returning home for weekend worship, I strive to be extra careful in filtering my comments about daily life in a way that avoids discussing political issues. I also ask that people call me "Brother" Peterson rather than "Representative" when at church.
As a reminder for faithful LDS folks and perhaps some new information for those who are not of the faith, here is a video animation that articulates the role of the church and its members in the realm of politics:
As we head toward election season, may our discourse we civil and held in the appropriate venues.
4 comments:
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2/23/2012 Utah Republican Party Questionnaire mailing fee $1,460.00
ReplyDeleteI have a question, if you could answer it for me.
When you had this mailer mailed out, did you send it to the people of the old district of house #9 or to the new district of house #9?
How many taxpayers did this go to?
Thank you,
Anna Bell Headbanger
Ms. Headbanger,
ReplyDeleteThe State GOP put the list together and it was mailed to the new District. I can't remember the exact count that went out however. The State GOP office could answer that for you though. They printed the mailers and provided the mailing lists.
Jeremy
Jeremy, I sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you, I've been in and out of the hospital more than I want to. I have another question, If the people that elected you and the district voting does not happen til this November, Why would you send you mailers to the people that sent you to the capitol in their behalf? It seems to me that Roy would now have double representation! Could you tell you party to sent that mailer out to the people that voted for you, and not the ones that did not vote for you. Just wondering.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reply.
Anna Bell Headbanger
Ms. Headbanger,
ReplyDeleteIn my discussions with my fellow legislators, nearly all of us sent the mailers out to the new district.
So, following your logic that a Representative is going to represent solely who the mailer goes out to and thus disenfranchise the "old" constituents and possibly double represent some other, it appears that everyone was still represented because nearly all the legislators sent out questionnaires to to their new constituents.
Also, keep in mind that a questionnaire is not the only method to keep in touch with voters. There are a myriad of ways in which I keep in touch with folks. Email, this blog, facebook, twitter, and most importantly, the telephone. They are all important tools in understanding the issues affecting constituents.