During this election season, Mormon Women for Ethical Government invited all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as groups or initiatives that gather individuals by means of a shared faith in Jesus Christ or their membership in the Church, to pledge not to leverage or weaponize faith and membership for the purpose of political gain.
In addition to the groups and initiatives that signed on to our pledge, many individuals eagerly pledged as well. Here are select testimonials from those who have signed on and shared why this issue is important to them!
The 11th Article of Faith can be applied to politics as well. Agency is at the root of our beliefs, and we all have the right to vote according to our own conscience.
Jill C.
Fallbrook, CA
Using sacred spaces and icons should absolutely never be used to promote a political agenda. Politics is such an ugly enterprise and currently so divisive, that I can’t imagine anyone using their position in the church or community to forward their party or candidate by associating or photographing with a sacred space or image.
Mary S.
Orem, UT
It is an honor to take this pledge not to use my religion to weaponize issues during this troubling time. I pledge to respect difference of opinion and be part of a peaceful dialogue to work towards more unity in our nation.
Susan I.
Spokane, WA
I want to do my part to heal the rifts in my nation by not buying into the vilification of those who prioritize differently than I do. I want to extend greater love and understanding to my brothers and sisters in the gospel. I need to believe in the goodness of others.
Joan R.T.
St. George, UT
I signed because nothing alienates me faster from my brothers and sisters than hearing them denigrate my political beliefs as immoral or unrighteous. God has no party. I want everyone to feel welcome at church and by church members. I pledge because I hope to be a good example.
Mary P.
Downey, CA
This pledge matters. When I saw the LDS for Trump meme that went around with a background of the temple I was deeply disturbed. It felt very wrong to associate that person with that sacred building and those sacred covenants. I remembered when Christ literally whipped, destroyed the property of, and chased off the individuals who misused his sacred house for worldly affairs. This pledge invited me to turn such criticism inward; to examine where I might be doing similar things or tempted to do things of this nature. Suddenly it became very clear to me why we must be careful not to assume the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints position on anything political. The prophet can indeed become involved in civic matters (see Elder Costa’s General Conference talk “Obedience to the Prophets” reiterating President Bensen’s BYU Speech “14 Fundamentals in Following the Prophet), but until he explicitly does, we cannot and must not make any public assumptions about what politician or party or president’s policies align with doctrine and which do not. I am so grateful for MWEG’s invitation and leadership in this. Thank you for keeping me accountable. ❤️
BriAnne Z.
Elk Ridge, UT
Everyone should feel welcome at church! Good people can disagree on an issue and no one should feel they aren’t welcome because they may believe differently than others. Political neutrality at church will help achieve this.
Stacy H.
Heber City, UT
Politics are important to provide needs to all people in our land and in the world. I want a government that is ethical and working for the people and not for personal gain. I want a government that can build its people up and not radicalize and denigrate individuals.
Lori B.
Stansbury Park, UT
It’s what I wish all members of our faith would pledge. Thank you for doing such great work.
Margo T.
Saint Anthony, ID
I am happy to add my name to the pledge to use respectful language and ideas with other members of my faith community. I feel it is important to recognize that regardless of our political affiliation, if we have been baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received the Holy Ghost we have a responsibility to represent our Savior. This means we speak to others with respect, kindness, and empathy. We also have a responsibility to stand up for what is right, but never at the expense of other people’s safety or emotional well-being, and never while attending a church event. I believe that as we act responsibly and respectfully we reflect the light of the Savior and bring peace to the political process.
Marcie S.
Kaysville, UT
This is such an important pledge because I have witnessed this volatile election cycle tearing my family apart. It is good for people to recognize we are diverse and we don’t all agree. But this language surrounding our politics should not be a part of our religious faith or a test for our testimonies.
Nikki P.
Gilbert, AZ
Thank you for putting into words what I have felt so strongly about. I struggle with the weaponization of religion and church, something that is truly so sacred to me as I watch some use it to hurt. I struggle to know that my own political views are often very different from my church pew neighbors and are fully formed in harmony with my personal testimony of Jesus Christ. I struggle when comments made from the pulpit or in lessons are done from the viewpoint that all church members surely must think the same way politically. It is a form of privilege to think that way and does not require any self-reflection or personal work. I never want to put others in that situation and am happy to take this pledge for me personally.
Meghan A.
Lyman, WY
This election season has been extremely divisive. Christ has said that if we are not united, then we aren’t “His” people. Christ is our ultimate leader, our ALL. I want everyone to belong to Him. So, I look past this political divisiveness to the truth of who we really are.
Heather V.
Salt Lake City, UT
This is important to me because we are all brothers and sisters. We need to promote loving one another and trying to understand one another over the vile hatred we are seeing played out in the news each day.
Deana B.
Boise, ID
Religion and politics are important to many people. These two things define and give direction to many lives. To use one to further an agenda for the other damages the ability to have productive religious and political discourses. It also causes people to lose trust in you. For this reason I support this pledge.
Laura V.
Springville, UT
This pledge is critically important in the times In which we live because public discourse has become toxic. A meaningful exchange of ideas and a basic level of trust and goodwill is necessary for our nation to confront and solve the serious challenges it is currently facing. People of goodwill can reasonably disagree on specific policy and political approaches, and in fact it is vigorous debate that has historically led to some of the greatest achievements in US history. If we can all come together and approach our nation’s challenges with faith and without fear, our democracy — and its citizenry — will benefit, and we will hopefully become more united around the higher principles of compassion, patriotism, and justice.
Livia K.
Chicago, IL
Although many of us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have a similar belief system, we do not all think alike, and we have differing views on political candidates and issues. Some people choose to express political opinions in a way that alienates people — even those they love. I have been on the receiving end of that, and it does not make me change my political opinions, and it harms the relationship I have with people that do this. I pledge to be responsible in sharing my own political views, so that I can continue to foster good relationships with my friends and family. And I also pledge that I will not use the church in any way to bolster any political viewpoint, and that I will not use my influence as a member of the church, including my calling, or any church resources to share my political opinions.
Denise B.
Mesa, AZ
If we truly pray for and accept the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we will make decisions based on the dictates of our own conscience. By promoting a political viewpoint as part of gospel education or in association with the Church we are saying that our political choice is more important than another’s personal inspiration, or falsely asserting that our opinion is endorsed by the Church.
Janet M.
Roseville, CA
While my faith, beliefs, and conscience dictate how I vote, my ballot selections should not be swayed by others in my faith institution and community. To use religion as pressure to convince one of their own political convictions is the purest form of manipulation.
Michelle W.
Canton, GA
Thank you for creating and promoting this pledge. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has repeatedly stated its political neutrality, and urged its members to vote according to their conscience, and be respectful of one another’s differences. Yet it’s very disheartening to see how often members try to hijack faith for their own political purposes or beliefs. I gratefully pledge my support to this pledge, and hope we can all embrace their wise counsel and interact together in more prudent, judicious, and Christlike ways.
Chris O.
Eagle Mountain, UT
It’s time to take the high road and stay above the hate. My soul is weary of all the controversy and I long for a society that practices Christian values.
Lisa A.
Orem, UT
It is important for each of us to remember that we speak only for our own conscience and beliefs and not for the church as a whole. We must respect those who think differently and honor them as or brothers and sisters. Good men and women can keep the ethical standards of the church and still support different political candidates and different policies. We are not here to change anyone but ourselves.
Glenda W.
Tucson, AZ
It is so important to me to keep church interactions about Jesus Christ and not about our personal beliefs. I have seen it be very painfully wrong and faith-destroying when people bring their political agenda to church, and I hope we can all maintain our love for one another, free of some of the conditions that are created by politics.
Jean M.
South Ogden, UT
The best way to keep politics, civil discourse, and government in its proper perspective, is to live the principles of the gospel, embodied in the two great commandments. I strive to respect the principles you have set forth so that I don’t lose sight of that. If I do that, I have to believe that ultimately, all will be well.
Linda H.
Washington, UT
That there even has to be a pledge such as this, is reason enough!
Linda S.
New Windsor, NY
I believe in honoring the dignity of others, and fighting the tendency to label people who are not like me. I don’t ever want to label, through my own prejudices, others as “those people.” And I never ever want to use a church named for Christ to promote political parties.
Chelle J.
Albany, NY
I espouse the principle that “reasonable minds may differ.” I enjoy hearing why people take the political positions they do. I learn from such discussions. To explore differences and express our positions in a respectful way allows more light to shine on the issues, more real information to be exchanged. It’s hard to imagine that angry exchanges over politics helps us to align our lives with the eternal principles. We are aware of the source of contention and that it results in the absence of the spirit of the Lord. That’s not a price I’m willing to pay even if I feel strongly that my position is best.
Gini W.
Tigard, OR
I want to be part of the solution to find common ground and thus help unify a dangerously divided nation.
Sheri E.
Kansas City, MO
I am making this pledge because enmity is a tool of Satan and I wish to follow Christ. Very good people have faith and beliefs which are different from mine politically. That should not disunite us.
Darece S.
Kaysville, UT
While our church leaders have always told us to be politically active, and in the scriptures, we are told to be “…anxiously engaged in a good cause,” I firmly feel that to use the church, or even gospel principles, to hammer home my political point of view is inappropriate. This is an easy pledge to make for me, but I’m grateful to be able to make it anyway!
Tracy P.
Pottstown, PA
Adhering to this pledge will hopefully result in less rancor, bitterness and division in our religious communities as well as the community at large.
Paulette H.
Las Vegas, NV
Number one, it is not ethical to use the church or any of its resources as political levers. Number two, if we all are even minded and consider both sides of the political spectrum, maybe our legislators will take note and do the same in the future. We can set a good example, and one person can and must make a difference!
Dee B.
Riverton, UT
My faith is very close to my heart. That faith should never be weaponized by myself or anyone else. If we want to be true disciples of the Savior, our goal is to bring others unto Christ. When we politicize our faith, we run the risk of excluding people of other political parts and views who otherwise may have wanted to hear more about the Gospel.
Christie B.
Mesa, AZ
I am so pleased to pledge to treat my brothers and sisters like brothers and sisters.
Betty M.
Rexburg, ID
The past few years have become increasingly difficult for me as I’ve watched my religion and its principles and beliefs being twisted beyond recognition in an effort to justify political ideology that cannot be justified. I’ve watched as friends and family members contorted themselves in knots and used the Church as a backdrop to their mangled fealty. I will not be pulled into that morass. My faith is my most valuable possession; I cannot allow it to be distorted or perverted to defend any political party or candidate. Nor can I condone anyone else’s attempt to do so.
Dana W.
Orange, CA
People can become passionate about their political viewpoints, ideas that they hold so strongly that they want to share them with family, friends, and even acquaintances. Often we share our religious beliefs with these very same people. The problem comes when people who share a faith may disagree — often passionately — about politics. It is critical that political viewpoints don’t become entangled with religious beliefs. This pledge may serve as a gentle reminder in future potentially heated conversations about respect for others’ viewpoints and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious space.
Lora Beth B.
Highland, UT
Every election year, the First Presidency reminds us that the Church is apolitical and that Church resources and information are not to be used in campaigns or elections. The Church is the one place that should be free from the political division and anger that wrack the rest of the country. It’s a safe place to love one another, to recognize and remember that Christlike love does not depend on political opinion, no matter how wrong or misguided we believe someone else to be. Not only that, it’s valuable in avoiding the “us vs. them” mentality, and correcting any temptation to believe that any good member of the Church MUST support position x or oppose candidate y. Political debate and rancor has no place in a Church meeting or activity, and has no right to claim or imply the endorsement of the Church.
Tamora M.
Tucson, AZ
Although my faith guides me in all decisions I make, including whom I vote for and issues I support, I fully understand that other faithful members of my church and community who make decisions that differ from mine believe they are equally inspired. It is not my role to judge anyone for the way they vote, and it is my right to receive the same consideration from others. Although we may disagree, it is possible to refrain from being disagreeable. For a person to claim that the Lord is for one party over another on all issues is prideful. May we humbly search for the truth and be guided by study and prayer as we commit to making the best decisions we can and avoid the temptation to use our religion against those who have differing opinions. The gospel embraces all truth, not just the truth we believe we have. For these reasons, this pledge is meaningful to me.
Lauren C.
Mesa, AZ
This pledge is important to me because I have felt the pain of feeling excluded when other members use the church and scriptures to back up their political statements while demonizing certain people or political parties. Our church is an international church. Members of all nations and political parties are welcome.
Tara G.
Gilbert, AZ
Faith is very individual and sacred. It’s entirely possible to have deep spirituality and fall on either side of the political aisle. Thus, you never know who you might offend and drive away from the church by presuming political ideologies of those around. More importantly, to mix religion and politics, using church intellectual, or physical property, or social capital, is a blatant abuse of power.
Melinda W.
Draper, UT
This is important to me because part of my core belief is that we need to hear everyone’s voice in order to make educated decisions. Christ loved everyone and taught everyone. How can we do any less?
Diane R.
Southfield, MI
I believe that in order to celebrate our differences in and out of a religious setting it is important that we respect one another’s opinions, especially when they differ from ours. We all come from different walks of life and experiences, so there will be times when we don’t see eye to eye, no more so than with politics. There is too much discord in the world and I want to be part of the solution by choosing to keep conversations civil and positive in and outside of a church setting. I believe coming from a place of love when interacting with others will always be the best way to help all feel welcome and willing to be open and invite the Holy Spirit to work within us. Church is a place we all come to share, heal, reach out to God, repent, and commit to strive to become like our Savior. It needs to remain a safe place where all feel comfortable and respected no matter where we come from or what we look like. We are all God’s family.
Chrystal B.
Wasco, CA
Because our faith should unite us rather than divide us. Jesus was quite clear about this.
Julie S.
Silver Spring, MD
I believe that people of faith can, in good conscience, have different political beliefs. No one should be denigrated or made to feel that they are less faithful than anyone else because they have differing political beliefs. People of faith should be striving to understand each other instead of condemning each other.
Lydia T.
Kaysville, UT
I have seen others use Heavenly Father and faith in Jesus Christ to back up their political viewpoints in the past and at times it made me very uncomfortable, at other times it damaged my faith a bit. I vow to not do that to others.
Amara B.
Saratoga Springs, UT
I appreciate so much the reminder to refine my communication with others during this very cantankerous election season. I care deeply about the outcome of this election, but I realize how easily I could transfer that concern to a negative opinion of those who don’t agree with me. Allowing that to happen is the least constructive way of meeting the spiritual and political challenges we face as a country. Thanks for helping me to see more clearly how I can go forward and be more personally part of the transformation I would like to see in our government and our society.
Ellen T.
Stoughton, WI
I love this pledge! I’m looking forward to using it to remind me to choose kindness and honor during the upcoming election and beyond.
Linda K.
Spokane, WA
Signing this pledge is important to me because adhering to these principles is central to the tenants of our faith, our values and the teachings of our prophet and the scriptures.
Amanda G.
Altamonte Springs, FL
I have friends in my church who are conservative and liberal, and I love and respect them all. I would never want to use my religion to promote politics and make them feel uncomfortable. We can disagree politically but still worship the same God and love one another. The agreements in this pledge are important to me and I wish more people could follow these guidelines and help everyone feel welcome and accepted at church.
Cindy G.
Rexburg, ID
I believe it’s so important that we can find a way to stay united in our religious beliefs, treating and valuing everyone like a child of God regardless of our political beliefs.
Erin Y.
West Des Moines, IA
I want to avoid rancorous conversations and insensitive assumptions that divide our nation and our church. Thanks for the encouragement to make a commitment to this better part of me!
LaRae W.
Atlanta, ID
I pledge to not weaponize my faith (for political or any other purposes), because: 1) the Kingdom of God is not beholden to any earthly kingdom, and so it should never be invoked as the means to political gain within an earthly kingdom; 2) the eternal principle of agency, as an element of my faith, demands that I not use my faith to shame and compel someone else to accept my views—it is nothing short of unrighteousness dominion; and 3) both our constitution and Our Savior recognized that church and state are not—and should not be—beholden to or govern each other. Weaponizing the truths that tie me to my Savior and my Heavenly Parents smacks of a hypocrisy worthy of Christ’s New Testament condemnation.
Caitlin T.
Aspen Hill, MD
This pledge is important to me because I think weaponizing faith is manipulative, exclusive, and completely contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. In addition to being completely unethical, it’s also completely ineffective in changing someone’s heart.
Amy D.
Quincy, MA
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about following Christ’s example of loving one another — loving others who don’t look like you, who don’t think like you, who might even persecute you. This pledge is an opportunity to seal my commitment to that divine commandment, even in the face of political upheaval. Our country was founded on principled compromise, and as Latter-day Saints we have the duty and the privilege to carry on that legacy with dignity, respect, and above all, love for our fellow men. How we respond in tumultuous times when our religious and political ideals are challenged — even attacked — is a litmus test for who we are as followers of Christ. I intend to extend hands of love and friendship to all, not just those who agree with me.
Kasey T.
Richmond, VA
We have a sacred duty to be kind, loving, caring, and charitable towards everyone, and show them respect. In this highly charged, divisive election year, we must never forget that we are brothers and sisters first, followers of Christ, covenant keeping people. No political affiliation or rhetoric should cause us to turn on each other, or contend with each other. We are better people than that! Let us “go high”: strive to listen, to understand, encourage seeking out reputable information, thoughtful voting, and civil discourse, when others express politic views. And certainly let’s keep this out of our church meetings and communications, following the standards and practices of our church policies.
Susan I.
Bloomington, IN
I think taking this pledge will help me: keep conversations rooted in logic; encourage media literacy; promote civil discourse; remember that peacemaking that peacemaking takes intentional effort.
Linda K.
Salt Lake City, UT
I’m taking this pledge to show that I value the rights and opinions of fellow members of my faith. Although our political views may differ, we still need to adhere to the principles of the gospel which first and foremost promote love for one another and to bear each other’s burdens. To protect the anonymity of our church rosters is key to keeping trust and our membership safe and secure, free from judgement and ridicule.
Becky C.
Huston, ID
I believe that a free democracy depends on an informed and vocal public. By God-given nature, we have agency, and it is incumbent on us to use it for the good of ourselves and others. It is contrary to the spirit that “entices to do good continually” to use gospel symbols or membership to shame, coerce, promote, or vilify political parties or stances. We should avoid saying, “Any good member of the church would vote for/support/oppose….” when it comes to politics. Share ideas and beliefs by “persuasion, long suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.”
Rachel M.
Johnston, IA
I would like to see more civil discourse among all people no matter their views. The current atmosphere around politics in the United States is doing no one any good. We need people to work together civilly and with respect in order for all of us to make the world a better place. I may not agree with your view, but I do know that we can do much more together then alone. I also feel there should be a very definitive separation of church and state as religious beliefs are as wide ranging as are political beliefs. One thing that is important for everyone is that they exercise their right to vote.
Tommi J.
Lincoln, NE
This pledge is important to me because it provides the civility and safety that every individual needs in order to think for themselves. We live in a very divided country where both political parties tend to take an unearned position of moral superiority against the other. Unless we as individuals can learn to understand/respect the positions of those who think differently than us, we will continue to drift further and further apart, which will lead our country nowhere at all. Thank you for your efforts!
Jennifer A.
Saratoga Springs, UT
I know I’m not perfect and I can’t expect that just because I share a religion and even DNA with someone we are going to agree on issues that are important to both of us. In conversing with family members I have tried to “act not react” and not always succeeded. I want to present my thoughts in ways and using words that allow the other party to not feel diminished. I know how that feels and I know that as soon as that happens neither party is going to make any progress and until we work together we are all losing.
Rulayne D.
Tooele, UT
I love my ward family. I hope that church will be a place where we can set aside our political differences and focus on our spiritual common ground.
Kathy B.
Batesville, IN
I so value having a variety of views and backgrounds in my church congregation–this diversity is our strength, and so it is important that we respect each other’s views and NEVER use church membership as a political platform.