LDS Church Quotes

The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

“There will be times in our lives when we will not be able to meet our needs without the help of others.”

“We cannot be self-reliant without being willing to work. Work is physical, mental, or spiritual effort.” He never forsakes us, but he does not do for us what we can do for ourselves.”

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.

The classic American response to deep conflicts like that between gay rights and traditional religious faith is to protect the liberty of both sides. The very arguments that underlie protection of same-sex marriage also support strong protection for religious liberty. Religious believers and same-sex couples each argue that a fundamental component of their identity, and the conduct that flows from that identity, should be left to each individual, free of all nonessential regulation.

Believing in basic fairness for all, the Church has openly encouraged and participated in legislative efforts to secure essential rights for LGBT citizens while protecting religious freedom.

When religious and LGBT interests conflict, the church advocates civility, protection of core rights for all, and reasonable compromise, with the goal being pluralism rather than domination by either side. The church joins this brief out of a conviction that this court must rigorously protect basic First Amendment rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion to safeguard the conditions that make such pluralism possible.

Men may speak of unconditional love, and unconditional mercy, but every act of love and mercy is conditional, because, in granting it to one man, I am affirming the conditions of his life and denying others in the process. If I am loving and merciful to a murderer, I am unloving and merciless to his present and future victims. Moreover, I am then in open contempt of God and His law, which requires no mercy to a man guilty of death.” (Rushdoony, Institutes of Biblical Law, p. 78.)

President Kimball: “So often, secular leaders rush in to solve problems by seeking to stop the present pain, and thereby create even greater difficulty and pain later on.”

"Teach members that transients, panhandlers and the poor are best served by following the principle of the Law of the Fast and by paying a generous Fast Offering.“

2: “The Church does ... Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.”

“Modern scriptural references to the role of government: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134”

“We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

“The bishop may assist members or others who are transients, but he should be discerning about the type and amount of assistance he gives.”

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. 

Elder Robert D. Hales “Priesthood-based welfare principles are both temporal and spiritual. They are also Eternal and apply in every circumstance.”

“The receiver accepts the offered help with gratitude. He uses it to release himself from the bondage and limitations of his need and become more able to rise to his full potential, both temporally and spiritually. He then reaches out to help others.

His plan for our salvation is often called “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). He sent His Beloved Son to carry out the Atonement so we can be happy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the eternities.

Same-sex marriage is now the law of the land. This acknowledgment of civil law does not change the Church’s doctrine, teachings, practices, or policies regarding marriage.

The nation’s laws can protect both religious liberty and the rights of LGBT citizens. That is the meaning of fairness for all.

“The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established ... It is customary for the Church at each [U.S.A.] national election to issue a letter to be read to all congregations encouraging its members to vote, but emphasizing the Church's neutrality in partisan political matters.”

“The leaders who read this guide should teach the principles and responsibilities…to the leaders and members under their jurisdiction. They should encourage the members to fulfill their welfare responsibilities and suggest ways in which they can do so. They should encourage parents to teach welfare principles to their families.”