Mormon church leaders told to stay out of politics

7/2/2011

SALT LAKE CITY — The Mormon church is reminding its senior leaders that they should steer clear of politics as a campaign season ramps up and two of the faith’s own compete for the GOP presidential nomination.

In a letter sent June 16, church president Thomas S. Monson and his senior counselors say that lay leaders with full-time church responsibilities and their spouses should not participate in political campaigns.

That includes making endorsements or financial contributions.

The letter was sent to the highest officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Part-time leaders are not barred from such political involvement.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman have jumped into the race for the Republican presidential nomination.