Leaders of L.D.S. Take No Sides in Coming Election

The First Presidency of the L.D.S. Church Saturday issued the following statement:

Reports have reached us to the effect that our names are being used by politicians in support of or against candidates and parties in the present political campaign.

We wish it distinctly understood that in our official capacity we neither aid nor oppose any candidate or party.

We offer no counsel to members of the church which may be considered partisan in its nature. We urge all to a dispassionate, intelligent, and honest use of the ballot, but we do not attempt to influence the choice of any voter.

Moreover, we discountenance the use of any church agency or facility in favor of or against any partisan or political interest. We trust that all church authorities and officers will cooperate with us in an endeavor to maintain officially an attitude of neutrality and fairness that shall justify no criticism or offense on the part of opposing candidates or parties in the present election.

In view of reports that are being circulated, we desire to say that the result of the forthcoming election will have no bearing on the selection of a counselor in the Presidency of the Church, for the reason that the choice was made months ago and accepted subject only to the approval of the church membership when the proper time comes.

HEBER J. GRANT

ANTHONY W. IVINS

RUDGER CLAWSON