Canadian Latter-day Saint Leaders Encourage Civic Participation, Civility and Prayers

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across Canada express gratitude to all who participated in the Canadian federal election, regardless of party affiliation. The five Canadian Area Seventies shared the following post-election thoughts.

Elder John N. Craig of Alberta thanked Church members for engaging in the political process and reminded all about the importance of being responsible citizens. “We thank members of the Church and all Canadians, regardless of their politics, for voting and engaging in our democratic process — in a thoughtful, respectful and civil manner — in our most recent election.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages “its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections” (Political Neutrality).

Elder David C. Stewart of Alberta conveyed gratitude to all those who ran for office. He said, “I would like to thank all people who stood for public office and those who assisted them in their campaigns. Now that the election is completed, I invite all to unite in their own way and pray for our nation and its leaders.”

Elder Stewart continued, “I echo to Canadians the sentiment President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared in 2019 when he spoke to a group in the United States: ‘Our nation was founded on prayer, it was preserved by prayer, and we need prayer again. … I plead with you this evening to pray for [our] country, for our leaders, for our people and for the families that live in this great nation founded by God. … Invite your neighbors, your colleagues, your friends on social media to pray for [our] country’ (‘President Ballard Invites New Movement to Pray,’ October 20, 2019).”

Elder David G. LaFrance of Ontario encourages us to demonstrate goodwill. He said, “At the conclusion of any election, there will be segments of the population that are either disappointed or pleased with the results. Regardless of the outcome and our personal political views, faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [can] follow our twelfth article of faith by ‘obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law’ (‘Articles of Faith’).”

In his October 2020 general conference address, President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of the Church taught, “This does not mean that we agree with all that is done with the force of law. It means that we obey the current law and use peaceful means to change it. It also means that we peacefully accept the results of elections. … In a democratic society we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election” (“Love Your Enemies”).

Elder LaFrance continued, “When differences of opinion persist, we can demonstrate goodwill by engaging in respectful, civil discourse aiming to unify our communities.”

Elder M. Travis Wolsey of British Columbia encourages all to move forward in faith: “The Book of Mormon describes members of the Church as ‘peaceable followers of Christ’ (Moroni 7:3) and those who have a ‘peaceable walk with the children of men’ (Moroni 7:4). As good citizens, voters, community members and disciples of Christ, we can all strive for peace, be peacemakers and seek for peace in our communities. Let us look for the good in people, programs, leaders and communities, for we know that ‘every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God’ (Moroni 7:13).”

Elder Michel J. Carter of Quebec reiterated the importance of being good citizens: “We just concluded the election of a new Parliament in Ottawa. We are grateful for the willingness of all these men and women who give of their time and talents for the well-being of our great Canadian nation. Let us be supportive of the elected candidates. I invite all to engage in the process of good citizenship, to participate in civil debates and let our voices be heard.”

President Dallin H. Oaks has further taught, “In a democratic government we will always have differences over proposed candidates and policies. However, as followers of Christ we must forgo the anger and hatred with which political choices are debated or denounced in many settings” (“Love Your Enemies”).

Elder Carter encourages us to move forward: “Let us accept the Canadians’ decision and be positively engaged in good causes.”