First Presidency letter and free expression

Yesterday, on the very day chosen by the Alliance Defense Fund for their "pulpit plan," the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released its customary letter about voting and political neutrality. Here is the letter in its entirety:

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.

Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties.

Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.

The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. 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

As I wrote last time, the Church's stance on political neutrality is no big surprise. I was, however, interested in that last sentence, in which the Church affirms its "affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues." The LDS Church and other religious groups have played a significant role in the campaign supporting California Proposition 8, and some people both within and outside of the LDS Church are uncomfortable with religious groups becoming so involved in politics. I find it interesting that this letter contained a statement of the Church's free speech rights. These sorts of letters are issued every election year, and while I don't have the text of any previous letters, I think the last line is a new addition. Certainly, from a legal standpoint, the Church's political involvment is appropriate as long as it remains issue-based, rather than party- or candidate-based.