Civil Government and Law

In addition to the twelfth article of faith, section 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants outlines Latter-day Saints' "belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general" (D&C 134, section heading). The section includes the following statements:

"We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. . . .

"We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience.

"We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men show respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man; and divine laws given of heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker" (D&C 134:1, 5–6).

Latter-day Saints also believe in the importance of freedom of religion. The eleventh article of faith states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

The Church does not endorse political parties or candidates, nor does it permit the use of its buildings for political purposes. The Church does not participate in politics unless there is a moral question at issue, in which case the Church will often speak out.

—See True to the Faith (2004), 38–39

• "On the Responsible Self"

  Robert S. Wood, Ensign, Mar. 2002, 27–31
  The concepts of individual freedom and personal responsibility are at the very center of the Atonement.

• "A Caring Community: Goodness in Action"

  Alexander B. Morrison, Ensign, Feb. 1999, 12–19
  How our world would be transformed if the vast reservoir of goodness in individuals could somehow be focused and harnessed for the uplift and betterment of society as a whole.

• "First Presidency Urges Citizen Participation"

  Ensign, Apr. 1998, 77
  As in the past, we urge members of the Church to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs.

• "The Divinely Inspired Constitution"

  Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Feb. 1992, 68–74
  Does the belief that the Constitution is divinely inspired affect citizens' behavior toward law and government? It should and it does. We should be ever willing to fulfill our duties of citizenship.

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "Government"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• "Church and State"

  Encyclopedia of Mormonism
  (Please note that the contents of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) 

• "Does the Church Support Political Candidates?"

  Newsroom.lds.org
  A video clip of Elder M. Russell Ballard addressing this question. 

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Search additional lesson manuals for content related to this topic.