SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 9, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wednesday congratulated Donald Trump on winning the U.S. presidential election.
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released a statement:
“We congratulate president-elect Donald Trump on his election as president of the United States,” it read.
“We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to join us in praying for the president-elect, for his new administration and for elected leaders across the nation and the world. Praying for those in public office is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints. The men and women who lead our nations and communities need our prayers as they govern in these difficult and turbulent times.
“We also commend Secretary Hillary Clinton and all those who engaged in the election process at a national or local level. Their participation in our democratic process, by its nature, demands much of those who offer themselves for public service. May our local and national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.”
While the the LDS Church does not back specific candidates, last month it sent out letters asking church leaders and congregations in Arizona, California and Nevada to vote against legalizing recreational marijuana in those states. A similar letter went to Colorado asking for votes against the assisted suicide ballot issue.
The legalization of recreational marijuana passed in California and Nevada, and failed in Arizona. Assisted suicide, under specific medical conditions, was legalized in Colorado.
