The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will embark on a four-year world tour beginning with a stop in Mexico City June 13-19, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File Photo)
SALT LAKE CITY– High leadership officials with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are speaking out to condemn violence and lawless behavior after the siege of the US Capitol last week.
“We condemn violence and lawless behavior, including the recent violence in Washington, D.C. and any suggestion of further violence,” the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in a statement Friday.
The church said while they don’t comment on party politics, leaders reminded their members, regardless of political views, “to be united in our commitment to the Savior, Jesus Christ and His teachings.”
The statement comes prior to planned protests throughout the country leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The FBI and Utah Highway Patrol are expecting demonstrations in Utah to occur before and on Inauguration Day.
“We urge all people to remember the precious and fragile nature of freedom and peace. As citizens of the United States look ahead to the inauguration of a new president, we urge our members to honor democratic institutions and processes, and to obey, honor and sustain the law,” said church officials.