This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2004, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I want to clarify misleading information concerning the LDS Church's support of the amendment designed to ban gay marriage. The church's support of this amendment does not qualify as a political agenda. As an institution concerned with the moral climate of the country, it is only appropriate that the church speak out, as gay marriage represents a moral question. We should expect the church to speak out in similar debates.
With respect to the influence of the church on public policy, members of any legislative body bring certain preconceived notions to their policy making, and members of the LDS Church are no exception. This does not, however, amount to brainwashed numskulls unable to think for themselves; they can still impartially judge individual issues as they arise.
Regarding the purported use of tithing monies to fund a campaign against gay marriage, Celeste Simmons (Forum, July 12) opined that such an effort represents backing of the Republican Party. This is not about politics, but a continuation of the church's endless battle to strengthen the family. Tithing has always been used to strengthen the church, and as its fundamental unit, the family's cohesiveness is an important aspect of that endeavor.
If the church feels that gay marriage is a threat to family stability (which it is), it is fully reasonable to expect that it would use tithing to prevent it.
Alan Mouritsen
Grantsville