How Much Influence Does the LDS Church Have on the Legislature? Depends on Who You Ask

UtahPolicy.com ^ | April 20, 2015 | Bob Bernick

[Colofornian]

Perhaps you will find no issue reflecting a greater divide among Utahns that whether LDS Church leaders have too much influence in the Utah Legislature.

A new UtahPolicy poll by Dan Jones & Associates finds that three-fourths of the faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints say their church has “about the right amount of influence” on state lawmakers’ political decisions.

But when you ask the same influence question of non-Mormons, you find super-majorities – 79 percent of Catholics, 84 percent of Protestants – say the Mormon Church has too much influence on Capitol Hill.

Now, the question of LDS Church influence on the Utah Legislature is always present.

But it was at the forefront in the 2015 Legislature as members of the Quorum of the Twelve – the leading body of the 15 million-member church – first endorsed a gay rights/religious freedom bill and then attended the bill’s unveiling and gubernatorial signing after passage.

It was an unprecedented, clear involvement of LDS Church leaders in the legislative process.

Those events were highly publicized in Utah. And was followed up by a news analysis story in The Salt Lake Tribune by reporters Lee Davidson and Matt Canham after session’s end on the church’s lobbying of lawmakers over the years.

UtahPolicy and Jones decided to measure the public’s opinion on the church’s influence in the 104-member, part-time Legislature, whose members are around 80 percent faithful members of the Mormon Church – with a number of legislators having served in the church’s lay leadership positions, like bishops and women’s auxiliaries.

Asked if LDS Church leaders have too much, about the right amount or too little influence in the Utah Legislature, Jones found the following:

• Among all Utahns: 34 percent said the church has too much influence; 51 percent said about right; 10 percent said too little; 5 percent didn’t know.

• Among Republican Utahns: 15 percent said too much; 67 said about the right amount of influence in the Legislature; 13 percent said too little; 6 percent didn’t know.

• Among Utah Democrats; 70 percent said too much influence; 22 percent said about right; 5 percent said too little; 4 percent didn’t know.

• Among political independents: 48 percent said too much influence; 40 percent said about right; 8 percent said too little, and 5 percent didn’t know.

• Among those who said they are “very active” members of the LDS Church: 5 percent said too much influence; 73 percent said about right; 15 percent said too little influence; 7 percent didn’t know.

• Among those who said they are “somewhat active” in the LDS Church: 26 percent said too much influence; 54 percent said about right; 16 percent said too little; and 4 percent didn’t know.

• Among those who said they are “no longer active” in their LDS Church: 49 percent said the church has too much influence; 38 percent said about right amount of influence; 7 percent said too little influence; and 5 percent didn’t now.

• Among Catholics: 79 percent said too much influence; 18 percent said about right; 0 percent said too little influence; 3 percent didn’t know.

• Among Protestants: 84 percent said too much influence; 16 percent said about right; 0 percent said too little influence, and 0 percent didn’t know.

• Among those who said they belong to some other religion not specifically listed by Jones: 85 percent said the LDS Church has too much influence in the Legislature; 9 percent said about right; 3 percent said too little influence, and 3 percent didn’t know.

• Among Utahns who said they have no religion: 80 percent said the LDS Church has too much influence in the Legislature; 17 percent said about right; 0 percent said too little influence, and 3 percent didn’t know. Jones polled 601 registered voters from March 30 to April 7. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.

The gay rights/religious freedom issue was the main topic LDS Church leaders were involved with in the just-completed 2015 Legislature.

But in the past Mormon leaders have taken stands on liquor law, same-sex marriage, abortion and other issues church leaders say are “moral” in nature – and thus appropriate for their public expressions.

Mormon leaders steadfastly decline to endorse political candidates, and they encourage their church members to be good citizens, get involved in their communities, politically and otherwise, and vote.

Utah is overwhelmingly Republican. And polls by Jones and others continually show that most Republicans are Mormons, and many Mormons are Republicans.

It is well known that any major – and sometimes, even minor – changes in Utah state liquor laws don’t happen unless Mormon leaders stay neutral on the change or endorse it.

For example, it took a lot of work with LDS Church leaders for the Legislature several years ago to do away with private liquor clubs and allow liquor-by-the-drink in properly-licensed bars.

It was a major change in Utah alcohol laws and LDS Church liquor stands.

Part of that deal was the installation in new bars and restaurants of the so-called “Zion Curtain,” a 7-foot barrier that keeps patrons from seeing liquor bottles and alcoholic drinks being mixed.

Several legislators – both Mormon and non-Mormon – have since tried to repeal the Zion Curtain (Jones’ polling has consistently showed most citizens want the curtain law repealed), but LDS Church officials have not agreed to such a change and the bills have always failed – as one did in the 2015 general session.

[Gamecock]

***LDS Church liquor stands***

What is that? Like a lemonade stand but selling liquor out front of a house of worship?

[Elsie]

Now, the question of LDS Church influence on the Utah Legislature is always present.

Duh!

The state is 57% Mormon!!

I'd HOPE it would have influence!

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How much 'influence' does Islam have on the ruling party of Saudi Arabia?

[T. P. Pole]

In front of the steak houses, yup.

[Elsie]

Part of that deal was the installation in new bars and restaurants of the so-called “Zion Curtain,” a 7-foot barrier that keeps patrons from seeing liquor bottles and alcoholic drinks being mixed.

[Elsie]

[Elsie]

---

Corporation of the President

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
of the
CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS
CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

STATE OF UTAH

COUNTY OF SALT LAKE

I, the undersigned, having been duly chosen and appointed President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in conformity with the rites, regulations and discipline of said Church, being desirous of forming a corporation for the purpose of acquiring, holding and disposing of Church or religious society property, for the benefit of religion, for works of charity and for public worship, under and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 3, Title 19, of the Compiled Laws of Utah, 1917, on "Churches and Religious Societies," and all acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto, for that purpose do hereby make and subscribe, in duplicate, the following

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

First: The name of this corporation shall be the CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

Second: The object of this corporation shall be to acquire, hold and dispose of such real and personal property as may be conveyed to or acquired by said corporation for the benefit of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious society, for the benefit of religion, for works of charity and for public worship. Such real and personal property may be situated, either within the State of Utah, or elsewhere, and this corporation shall have power, without any authority or authorization from the members of said Church or religious society, to grant, sell, convey, rent, mortgage, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any part or all of such property.

Third: The estimated value of the property of which I hold the legal title for the purpose aforesaid, at the time of making these Articles of Incorporation, is One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars.

Fourth: The title of the person making these Articles of Incorporation is "PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS."

Fifth: The corporation seal shall contain the words, "Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," and an impression thereof is hereto affixed.

[Seal] [Signed] Heber J. Grant
President of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.

STATE OF UTAH
SS:
COUNTY OF SALT LAKE

On this 26th day of November, 1923, before me, Arthur Winter, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally appeared HEBER J. GRANT, who is known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and duly acknowledged to me that he executed the same as such President.

[Seal] [Signed] Arthur Winter
Notary Public
Residing at Salt Lake City, Utah.
My commission expires Dec. 1, 1923.

---

AMENDMENT TO

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
of the
CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS
CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

 

 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
STATE OF UTAH ss.
COUNTY OF SALT LAKE

HEBER J. GRANT, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

That he is now and for more than twenty years last past has been the duly chosen and appointed President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as such President has been since on or about the 26th day of November, 1923, and now is, the legally constituted Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter=day Saints, a corporation sole; that under and pursuant to Section 18-7-5 R.S.U. 1933 he hereby amends Article "Fourth" of said Articles of Incorporation as now of record in the proper offices of this and other states, said article as amended to read as follows:

ARTICLE FOURTH

Fourth: The title of the person making these articles of incorporation is "President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." He and his successor in office shall be deemed and are hereby created a body politic and corporation sole with perpetual succession, having all the powers and rights and authority in these articles specified or provided for by law. But in the event of death or resignation from office of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or in the event of a vacancy in that office from any cause, the President or Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of said Church, or one of the members of said Quorum thereunto designated by that Quorum, shall, pending the installation of a successor President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be the corporation sole under these articles, and the laws pursuant to which they are made, and shall be and is authorized in his official capacity to execute in the name of the corporation all documents or other writings necessary to the carrying on of its purposes, business and objects, and to do all things in the name of the corporation which the original signer of the articles of incorporation might do; it being the purpose of these articles that there shall be no failure in succession in the office of such corporation sole.

[Signed] Heber J. Grant
President of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints,
corporation sole.
[Seal]

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18 day of June, 1940.
[the name of Notary Public not shown on copy of amendment]

(Original in State of Utah Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah)

---

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
TO THE

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
of the
CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS
CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

A UTAH CORPORATION SOLE

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 16-7-5 of the Utah Code Annotated 1953 (as amended) relating to amendments of articles of incorporation of corporations sole, the CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, a Utah Corporation Sole, does hereby amend its Articles of Incorporation by adding an additional Paragraph V thereto as follows:

Upon the winding up and dissolution of this corporation, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the corporation, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation or corporation, which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or religious and/or scientific purposes and which has established its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these presents to be executed this 19th day of November, 1973.

CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY
SAINTS, a Utah Corporation Sole

By: [signed] Harold B. Lee
Harold B. Lee, Corporation Sole

STATE OF UTAH ) ss:
County of Salt Lake )

HAROLD B. LEE, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: That he is now and ever since July 7, 1972, has been the duly chosen and appointed President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and, as such president, is now and ever since said date has been the legally constituted CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, a Utah Corporation Sole; that the original Articles of Incorporation of said Corporation Sole were executed by Heber J. Grant, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; that he, Harold B. Lee, is the successor in office to the said Heber J. Grant; that he, Harold B. Lee, executed the foregoing Articles of Amendment as said Corporation Sole.

[signed] Harold B. Lee

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 19th day of November, 1973.

[signed] Wilford W Kirton, Jr
NOTARY PUBLIC
Residing at Salt Lake City, Utah
My commission expires:
2-3-77

---

Articles of Incorporation as amended:

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

First: The name of this corporation shall be the CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

Second: The object of this corporation shall be to acquire, hold and dispose of such real and personal property as may be conveyed to or acquired by said corporation for the benefit of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious society, for the benefit of religion, for works of charity and for public worship. Such real and personal property may be situated, either within the State of Utah, or elsewhere, and this corporation shall have power, without any authority or authorization from the members of said Church or religious society, to grant, sell, convey, rent, mortgage, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any part or all of such property.

Third: The estimated value of the property of which I hold the legal title for the purpose aforesaid, at the time of making these Articles of Incorporation, is One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars.

Fourth: The title of the person making these articles of incorporation is "President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." He and his successor in office shall be deemed and are hereby created a body politic and corporation sole with perpetual succession, having all the powers and rights and authority in these articles specified or provided for by law. But in the event of death or resignation from office of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or in the event of a vacancy in that office from any cause, the President or Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of said Church, or one of the members of said Quorum thereunto designated by that Quorum, shall, pending the installation of a successor President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be the corporation sole under these articles, and the laws pursuant to which they are made, and shall be and is authorized in his official capacity to execute in the name of the corporation all documents or other writings necessary to the carrying on of its purposes, business and objects, and to do all things in the name of the corporation which the original signer of the articles of incorporation might do; it being the purpose of these articles that there shall be no failure in succession in the office of such corporation sole.

Fifth: Upon the winding up and dissolution of this corporation, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the corporation, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation or corporation, which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or religious and/or scientific purposes and which has established its tex-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Sixth: The corporate seal shall contain the words, "Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," and an impression thereof is hereto affixed.

[Alex Murphy]

A new UtahPolicy poll by Dan Jones & Associates finds that three-fourths of the faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints say their church has “about the right amount of influence” on state lawmakers’ political decisions. But when you ask the same influence question of non-Mormons, you find super-majorities – 79 percent of Catholics, 84 percent of Protestants – say the Mormon Church has too much influence on Capitol Hill.

Just the faithful ones, huh? How did they know which ones were faithful?

[colorcountry]

I’d say too much by 84%.

[JAKraig]

I guess the Roman Catholic Church has it's own Parliament in Italy.

This is stupid.

I wonder what the Baptists would say about the number of Catholics in Rome. I wonder what the Catholics say about the city council in Cleveland Tenn.

Where ever you have a large majority of one religion among a group of people of course their representative government will have a majority of those people on it.

[Colofornian]

Just the faithful ones, huh? How did they know which ones were faithful?

Very good Q

[Colofornian]

I’d say too much by 84%.

Agreed

(Matching up with the Protestant percentage who said "too much")

[Gamecock]

They have one of these?

[hal ogen]

Not enough. They fight the idiot LIBs and their malignant progressivism.

[Alex Murphy]

Not that there's any conflict of interest here, what with the {Mormon] University of Utah pedigrees and the Democrat affiliations. From their website:

Leadership

Dan E. Jones, PhD

For more than 50 years, Dr. Dan Jones has played a prominent role in Utah politics as a teacher, pollster, mentor, and political guru.

Dan has an astute understanding of county and local government issues and policies and provides keen insight in questionnaire development.

Dan received his B.A. in Political Science from Idaho State College, and then received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Political Science from the University of Utah. Dan is currently a professor of Political Science at The University of Utah.

Patricia "Pat" Jones

Pat is a professionally-trained qualitative researcher and focus group moderator, receiving certification from the Oregon Research Institute, RIVA, and QRCA. Pat has been extensively involved in the Utah community for many years. Along with serving on numerous boards of Utah organizations, she was elected to the Utah State Senate in 2006 where she is currently the [Democrat] Senate Minority Leader, the first woman to hold this position in Utah history.

Pat attended the University of Utah, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Mass Communication and Journalism.

[Alex Murphy]

I wonder what the Baptists would say about the number of Catholics in Rome.

I've always thought there were too many, myself.

[Gamecock]

Guru?

In Utah?

[greyfoxx39]

Bump

[Colofornian]

I guess the Roman Catholic Church has it's own Parliament in Italy. This is stupid. I wonder what the Baptists would say about the number of Catholics in Rome. I wonder what the Catholics say about the city council in Cleveland Tenn. Where ever you have a large majority of one religion among a group of people of course their representative government will have a majority of those people on it.

Slight misrepresentation of the facts here.

Utah isn't as monolithic as it used to be.

Elsie mentions it's fifty seven percent Lds.

The article says:

...the 104-member, part-time Legislature, whose members are around 80 percent faithful members of the Mormon Church...

So the legislature is roughly 23 percent more Mormon than Utah is.

[Elsie]

How did they know which ones were faithful?

Well; the WORTHY ones can show up in a temple.

I've heard that only 15% or so of ALL Mormons are 'worthy'.

The rest of them poor saps are going to end up on Level TWO of Mormon heaven with the likes of ME!

---

 

HEAVEN-The Mormon church teaches there are three levels of heaven (three "degrees of glory"):

Celestial - for Mormons who have kept ALL of the laws and ordinances of their church.

Terrestrial - for religious people who aren't Mormons and for Mormons who have not met the requirements of the Church.

Telestial - where unbelievers go

 

 

 

HELL: A place of torment from which the worst of sinners are resurrected (if they repent) into the Telestial kingdom; only a limited number remain in hell forever, - the devil and the demons and apostates who consciously reject and work against Mormonism.