The Church issued the following statement today:
It has been called to our attention that there are some among the various pro-white and white supremacy communities who assert that the Church is neutral toward or in support of their views. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the New Testament, Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39). The Book of Mormon teaches “all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33).
White supremacist attitudes are morally wrong and sinful, and we condemn them. Church members who promote or pursue a “white culture” or white supremacy agenda are not in harmony with the teachings of the Church.
On Sunday the Church made the following statement:
It is with great sadness and deep concern that we view the violence, conflict and tragedy of recent days in Charlottesville, Virginia. People of any faith, or of no faith at all, should be troubled by the increase of intolerance in both words and actions that we see everywhere.
More than a decade ago, the late Church President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) addressed the topic of racism when speaking to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He powerfully and clearly taught this principle: “No man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ.” For members of the Church, we reaffirm that teaching today and the Savior’s admonition to love our neighbor.
Our prayers are with those who are suffering because of this intolerance and hatred. We pray for peace and for understanding. Above all, we pray that we may treat one another with greater kindness, compassion and goodness.
Geoff, thanks for the post! I think we need to hear more of this and not just the doctrine and principles, but to have discussions on what it means in application. I have wonderful friends and family who are solid members of the church, faithful and dutiful who interpret prophetic statements, doctrine, teachings and culture differently than I do (on both sides of “liberal”). That is, I interpret some statements on some social issues more “liberally” than they do and some more “conservatively” than they do. For example, I take greater liberties on interpreting statements by Church leaders on LGBT issues than they do, but they take greater liberties on interpreting statements by Church leaders on immigration and racial issues. Of course I think (though not always certain) I’m more accurate or I wouldn’t have that disposition. I think too often we only talk general principles and are afraid of getting into the application because we know there will be strong contrary feelings. The challenge is how to have civil discussions with our LDS family and brothers and sisters about differences while respecting their motives and point of view without causing the other party to immediately recoil in offense and “tune out,” ultimately harming precious relationships and resulting in no real communication. Some examples come to mind. A less than respectful approach and tone in my opinion was recently given by Duane Boyce here http://www.mormoninterpreter.com/a-lengthening-shadow-is-quality-of-thought-deteriorating-in-lds-scholarly-discourse-regarding-prophets-and-revelation-part-one/#comments, which can be contrasted with the more thoughtful approach and tone by Max Wilson here https://www.sixteensmallstones.org/having-a-form-of-godliness-modern-mormon-pharisees/. Sorry about using names. I appreciate both of these sincere, brilliant and thorough saints, though I don’t necessarily agree with all approaches and conclusions. Like my wife always tells me “tone matters.”
“White supremacist attitudes are morally wrong and sinful, and we condemn them. Church members who promote or pursue a ‘white culture’ or white supremacy agenda are not in harmony with the teachings of the Church.”
We could note that the first statement (being more general in nature) also references the left wing, as it condemns racism, violence and intolerance. But today’s clarifying statement (especially the portion I quoted), emphasizes the alt-right movement, with direct reference to the language or concepts associated with that nationalist movement and various Neo-Nazi movements, I think we can safely assume that church leaders see the danger of the radical right to many church members. All members should carefully note that statement before allying themselves with those institutions or ideologies.
That’s quite a shot across the bow. I wonder if the Church will request that the Utah Vangard group remove the picture of the SLC temple prominently featured on their website.