MORMON BELIEFS

Freedom of Worship

The United States Constitution states that all men should be allowed to worship as they choose. Article of Faith #11 in the Mormon Church states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."1 There are numerous scriptures that state this 'freedom' as well. However, with that statement reiterated throughout time and the laws to protect them, there was, and still is, the persecution of those wishing to worship as they see fit.

In 1835 the Prophet Joseph Smith along with other Mormon Church leaders were brought together to discuss various issues, one being in regard to governments and laws. Consequently, 'a declaration of belief' was written and issued as part of the Doctrine and Covenants and was prefaced by the following preamble: "That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present at the close of this volume our opinion concerning the same."2

 "We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of soul. We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy."3

Each has been given the right to choose right from wrong and each has been given that freedom from God.

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Mormon Church

Basic Beliefs