Official members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are calling abortion evil and urging members to help put an end to racism.
On Saturday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kicked off its first day of church conference, and in doing so, spoke out against abortions and racism. The church’s leader Neil Anderson opened up his statement by saying that. abortion is “evil, stark and real and repugnant.”
“Let us share our deep feelings about the sanctity of life with those who make decisions in society,” Andersen said, referring to words from the church’s former President Gordon B. Hinckley. “Let us share our deep feelings about the sanctity of life with those who make decisions in society,” Andersen said. “They may not fully appreciate what we believe, but we pray that they will more fully understand why, for us, these decisions go well beyond just what a person wants for his or her own life.”
Andersen is a part of governing panel for the church called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He encouraged church members to reach out and extend a hand of support to women who may be considering aborting their child. He claimed abortion is one of the reasons fewer children are being born around the world.
The church also made statements about racism and prejudice. “The Lord expects us to teach that inclusion is a positive means towards unity and that exclusion leads to division,” Gary Stevenson, a Quorum member, said. “We have been heartbroken to hear of recent attacks on people who are Black, Asian, Latino, or of any other group. Prejudice, racial tension, or violence should never have any place in our neighborhoods, communities, or within the church.” He also said younger members of the church should refrain from cyber-bullying, saying it can result in anxiety and depression. To older church members, he said it is best for them to be a model for “kindness, inclusion, and civility.”
