The Twelfth Article of Faith.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Wholesome Influence of the Members.
Religion, to be of service, must be wholesome in the lives of its members in religious and in temporal affairs.
Among the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints should be to impress the duty of a law-abiding course to its members in being citizens of a nation and of a community in which they live.
Civil Authority.
In a revelation given by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith on 1 August 1831 he said:
Doctrine and Covenants 58: 19-23
19 For verily I say unto you, my law shall be kept on this land.
(Speaking to the Prophet Joseph Smith, this means America.)
20 Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat.
21 Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
22 Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.
23 Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold, here is wisdom.
At a later date, 6 August 1833 the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith this:
Doctrine and Covenants 98: 4-7
4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.
Doctrine and Covenants 124: 49-50
49 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings.
50 And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God.
Duty in Community Life.
A large part of our course of education in this school of mortality or earth life is to interact with our brothers and sisters and perform our righteous duty in community life.
We are not here to sit back and let others do the work of community public service but to live in a state of helpfulness together and work to better our state and local communities.
It is necessary that laws be established among all of us for our general governance and that every member of society obeys the laws established for our society.
This world would be a better place if more men and women carried the principles of their religion into business, politics, and statesmanship.
Not to try and convert anyone to their beliefs but to treat everyone else decent with love and kindness.
Loyal citizenship is a test and a characteristic of a person’s religion and it is their civil duty that the voice of the people be expressed through the established channels that are set up.
For more information, see www.lds.org
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