Memorial Day is a sacred day. It is a day set apart from the others. What is Memorial Day? It is a day to honor and remember those men and women who have died in the armed forces. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently called the “Mormon Church”) have a great desire to remember and honor ancestors—it is one our fundamental beliefs. And so Memorial Day is indeed a day which members of The Church of Jesus Christ (nicknamed “Mormons”) respect, honor, and celebrate.

What do Mormons Do to Remember and Honor Ancestors?

Individually- Our leaders teach us to not only find out the names and dates of our ancestors, but to find out their stories. Which is why Memorial Day is such a wonderful day because we can remember our ancestors (and their stories) who served in the armed forces. For instance I have ancestors on both my paternal and maternal sides who have served and died in the armed forces. I will forever be grateful for their efforts in fighting for good and noble causes.

Collectively- Mormons have over 4,689 family search centers all around the world! All of which are funded by tithing from members of The Church of Jesus Christ. Needless to say, we believe in remembering and honoring our ancestors!

We also have the Mormon Tabernacle Choir which stands as a beacon of what Mormons believe. Each Sunday they have “Music and the Spoken Word” a production, which is the oldest continuous nationwide network broadcast in America. And each Sunday before Memorial Day, the Choir dedicates a show to honor and respect those who died and served in the armed forces (see below for the Tab-Choir singing “Bring Him Home” with Alfie Boe).

Why Do Mormons Remember and Honor Ancestors?

The very first (chronologically) revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith which he was to include in the Doctrine and Covenants (a book of scripture containing modern revelation), is found in Doctrine and Covenants 2:1-3:

Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.

Essentially these scripture verses tell us that remembering our ancestors, and connecting our families both past and present, are absolutely key in Heavenly Father’s plan. As we remember our ancestors, we remember who we are, why we are here, and what we stand for. This is also why Mormons believe temple work is so important. The first time individuals go to the temple, they perform ordinances for themselves. Any time after that, they go as proxies (standing for somebody else who is deceased). As we perform sacred ordinances that are required to enter into the Kingdom of God (like baptism), we are being connected with our ancestors in a most heavenly way.

Grateful for those who have served in the armed forces

I am most grateful for those who were willing to give everything, even their lives, to defend that which is good. I am humbled to think that there were (and are) courageous men and women who have obtained the attribute of selflessness (as Christ so masterfully taught during His earthly ministry) by serving in the military.

It is my hope that this Memorial Day, and each year after, we may more reverently respect and honor those who have given their lives in the pursuit of happiness for their friends, family, and those whom they never even met.

Modern Day Apostles and Prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have served in the armed forces:

Thomas S. Monson (President and Prophet of the Mormon church)
Henry B. Eyring (First Counselor in the First Presidency)
Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Second Counselor in the First Presidency)
Boyd K. Packer (President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
L. Tom Perry (apostle)
Russell M. Nelson (apostle)
Dallin H. Oaks (apostle)
M. Russell Ballard (apostle)
Robert D. Hales (apostle)
D. Todd Christofferson (apostle)

Delegates from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church—encouraged participants to find common ground with those of different cultures and religions during a recent worldwide conference on religious and cultural dialogue in Skopje, Macedonia. “We are all the children of God. We are all brothers and sisters,” said Manfred Schütze, the head of the 4-member delegation from The Church of Jesus Christ. [1]

The gathering—sponsored by the government of the Republic of Macedonia and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)—brought together government officials, religious representatives and scholars. The world conference, which takes place every three years, focused on three topics: pluralistic societies and religious tolerance, living together by respecting diversity, and the contribution of media to the interreligious and intercultural dialogue. [1]

In addition, delegates from The Church of Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of freedom of worship and fair and accurate news reporting on religion at the World Conference on Dialogue Among Religions and Civilizations. Representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ were active participants at the 2010 and 2007 gatherings as well. [1] 

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of religion is important to members of The Church of Jesus Christ. The Eleventh Article of Faith (one of 13 statements outlining the basic beliefs and ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ) says: “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.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ) but not a delegate at the conference, said:

“Our commitment to freedom of religion and treating all people as sons and daughters of God is central to our doctrine. … Let me be clear that all voices need to be heard in the public square. Neither religious nor secular voices should be silenced. Furthermore, we should not expect that because some of our views emanate from religious principles, they will automatically be accepted or given preferential status. But it is also clear such views and values are entitled to be reviewed on their merits.” [2]

Respect for Those of Other Faiths, Laws of Other Lands

President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ, said:

“I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.” [3]

Mutual respect of others and their beliefs creates a foundation upon which members of The Church of Jesus Christ and those of others faiths can work together, especially on humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. On both the worldwide and local levels, members of The Church of Jesus Christ join forces with members of other faiths to help those in need. The cooperative efforts benefit communities and citizens. A Mormon Newsroom Commentary stated:

“The spiritual and physical needs of the world require goodwill and cooperation among different faiths. Each of them makes a valuable contribution to the larger community of believers. In the words of early Church apostle Orson F. Whitney, ‘God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.’” [4]

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ also believe in obeying the laws of the land wherever they are. In accordance with that belief, Church leaders work with the governments of nations to ensure they are following the laws of the land. They do not operate or send missionaries into locales where they are not allowed. And in the locales where they are, they follow the restrictions outlined by the government. Respect and obedience to the government’s laws helps the Church as a whole and members individually.

Learn more about Mormons.

On Monday, May 20, a cluster of tornadoes hit several states, the most severe storms hitting Oklahoma. Reports say that at least twenty-four people have died, including several children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) sends its deepest condolences to the victims and has already started assisting in the relief effort.[1] These efforts are not unique to the Church of Jesus Christ and are characteristic of the faith’s emphasis on administering to those in need and serving those within the community.

The Church of Jesus Christ Is Already Involved in Helping the Tornado Victims

Within hours of the disaster, local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ were in the process of coordinating with other local relief agencies to organize and execute relief efforts for the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes. These volunteer efforts also include establishing a relief center that will help coordinate supplies, volunteers, and volunteer assignments. The relief force from The Church of Jesus Christ will consist primarily of local church members and full-time missionaries. (All of the Mormon missionaries—approximately 200—have been accounted for.)

The Church of Jesus Christ Can Provide Unique Relief Services

One of the services church members and Mormon missionaries can provide is translation for those victims who do not speak English. Both church members and missionaries are helping those who speak Spanish or Vietnamese communicate with emergency responders.

In addition to translating, Mormon charities are gathering supplies and finding housing for those affected by the storms.

The Church of Jesus Christ Wants to Work with Others in the Community

Mormons want to “dispel stereotypes often held about the Church, showing that Latter-day Saints are Christians who contribute to the good of their communities.”[2] The Church of Jesus Christ not only encourages its members to involve themselves in their local communities, but it also helps coordinate those volunteer efforts. Mormon charities are often involved in relief efforts after natural disasters like the tornadoes in Oklahoma, and the Church also heads up several other humanitarian and relief organizations. For more information, visit the LDS Humanitarian Center homepage.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the Mormon Church) love recording and retelling stories of the history of the Church.

Scriptural injunctions reinforce the story telling and recording tradition. In latter-day scriptures, the Doctrine & Covenants (a collection of modern revelations), the Lord commands the Church’s history to be written:

I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record and history continually; Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen. (Doctrine & Covenants 47:3-4)

A Legacy of Story Telling

While crossing the desolate plains from Illinois to Utah in the 1840s, my Latter-day Saint (LDS or Mormon) pioneer ancestors’ journals record days of journeying hardships and evenings of singing, dancing, and story telling. Brigham Young, president of the Church during the Mormon migration westward, encouraged Latter-day Saints to gather around the evening campfire and rejoice together. As they constantly recounted the blessings of the Lord in their lives, the difficult journey became increasingly bearable–one day at a time.

“Come, Come Ye Saints,” a song written during the Mormon trek westward, captures the pioneer’s profound respect for story telling in two of its four stanzas:

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
’Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!

We’ll find the place which God for us prepared,
Far away, in the West,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the saints, will be blessed.
We’ll make the air, with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we’ll tell -
All is well! All is well! 1

Combining All Story Telling Elements into One–the Pageant

Latter-day Saints continue sharing history, culture, and religious beliefs by recounting meaningful experiences through spoken or written word, music, art, dance or drama. Mormon pageants combine all of these story telling mediums.

The United Kingdom is to play host to a new pageant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints titled “The British Pageant: Truth Will Prevail.” The British pageant will follow a similar format to the Nauvoo, Illinois Pageant and the “Mormon Miracle Pageant” in Manti, Utah, but will focus on the history of the LDS Church in the British Isles, written and performed by members from around the United Kingdom.

There will be three main themes running through the pageant as it draws on the history of the British Isles and the Restoration. Throughout their history, the British people have demonstrated this desire to do God’s will, requiring personal sacrifice and tremendous courage. Drawing on historical figures such as William Tyndale, the pageant will open by celebrating their important contributions in laying the basis for religious freedom and the Restoration.

Secondly and against the background of the Restoration and the arrival of the first Mormon missionaries in 1837, the pageant will tell the story of Latter-day Saints who have sacrificed much to build their faith and to strengthen their communities.

Through their abiding faith and deep love for one another and the Savior, the Saints discovered their lives were full of the joy of the gospel. They taught their children, and these youths carried on a legacy of devotion to the principles of the restored gospel [The Church of Jesus Christ is the full restoration of Christ’s ancient church], which is manifest throughout the worldwide church. The third theme will realize the implications of this heritage today, as families and youths in the British Isles know this joy and continue to take it to all the world. 2

The Influence of Individual and Collective Stories

In 1841, Samuel Gadd joined the LDS Church in England and served as presiding elder at Bessems and Cambridge. Filled with a desire to join other Saints in Utah, Samuel determined to emigrate.  His wife Eliza Chapman Gadd, while not of the LDS faith, emigrated with her husband and eight children. Soon after joining the Willie handcart company and beginning their journey across the plains, Samuel and two children died on the Wyoming plains. Instead of becoming bitter and resentful, Eliza’s faith increased and she was baptized a week after her arrival in Utah. Eliza, my third great-grandmother, then settled her family in Nephi, Utah, became a midwife and strengthened that community physically and spiritually. Her courageous story strengthens my faith in Christ and I am so grateful to know who she is and who I can become because of her.

Regardless of the individual’s nation and specific sacrifice, each Mormon pioneer’s story proclaims faith in Jesus Christ and a determination to live His Gospel. That heritage remains with Latter-day Saints who rejoice to share their stories amongst themselves and anyone else who cares to listen.

Utah’s percentage of babies who are born to unwed mothers ranks lowest in the nation—just 14.7 percent, according to recent census estimates. In 2011, 35.7 percent of U.S. babies were born to unwed moms—continuing a trend that began in the 1940s. But as for Utah, “situation normal,” said Pam Perlich, a University of Utah research economist. “The biggest driver here is Mormon culture, for sure.” [1]

President Gordon B. Hinckley, the late president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church, said:

We believe in chastity before marriage and total fidelity after marriage. That sums it up. That is the way to happiness in living. That is the way to satisfaction. It brings peace to the heart and peace to the home. [2]

However, Perlich said:

We do know there is a generational change in how people are viewing families and living arrangements and marriage. That’s happening in Utah, too, but the big difference here is the Mormon culture region and the high value placed on marriage and family— family being strictly defined [here] as between a man and a woman with kids. We know that people live in a wide, wide diversity of households besides that. But in the Mormon culture region, those other more diverse households are a smaller portion of the population. [1]

Of the number of babies born to unwed mothers, Utah’s five metropolitan areas are essentially in a statistical tie, according to Census Bureau estimates, because of sampling margins of error in surveys. “The estimated birth rates were: Provo-Orem, 8.2 percent; St. George, 10.4; Logan, 10.7; Ogden-Clearfield, 14; and Salt Lake City, 17.9.” [1]

Children Born Out of Wedlock are, Statistically, at a Disadvantage

The census report said recent social science studies show that “births outside of marriage are often associated with disadvantage for both children and their parents.” [1]

The report also said:

Women and men who have children outside of marriage are younger on average, have less education, and have lower income than married parents. … Children who are born to unmarried parents are more likely to live in poverty and to have poor developmental outcomes. … The poorer developmental and behavioral outcomes experienced by children living in cohabitating households may be due in part to family instability. [1]

It is no surprise, perhaps, that the most active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also the best educated (Pew Forum Survey), opposite most religions worldwide.

In 2012, Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ, said:

It is our homes and families that need reforming in this increasingly materialistic and secular world. A stunning example is the growing disregard for marriage here in the United States. Earlier this year the New York Times reported that ‘the share of children born to unmarried women has crossed a threshold: more than half of births to American women under 30 occur outside marriage’ (Jason DeParle and Sabrina Tavernise, ‘Unwed Mothers Now a Majority Before Age of 30,’ New York Times, Feb. 18, 2012, A1)….

Equally worrisome is the ever-growing gap between the rich and poor and between those who strive to preserve family values and commitments and those who have given up on doing so. Statistically, those who have less education and consequently lower incomes are less likely to marry and to go to church and much more likely to be involved in crime and to have children outside of marriage. And these trends are also troubling in much of the rest of the world. (See W. Bradford Wilcox and others, ‘No Money, No Honey, No Church: The Deinstitutionalization of Religious Life among the White Working Class,’ available at www.virginia.edu/marriageproject/pdfs/Religion_WorkingPaper.pdf.)

Opposite of what many had thought, prosperity and education seem to be connected to a higher likelihood of having traditional families and values. The real question, of course, is about cause and effect. Do some sectors of our society have stronger values and families because they are more educated and prosperous, or are they more educated and prosperous because they have values and strong families? In this worldwide Church we know that it is the latter. When people make family and religious commitments to gospel principles, they begin to do better spiritually and often temporally as well. [3]

In 1995, President Hinckley said:

How bitter are the fruits of casting aside standards of virtue. The statistics are appalling. More than one-fourth of all children born in the United States are born out of wedlock, and the situation grows more serious. Of the teens who give birth, 46 percent will go on welfare within four years; of unmarried teens who give birth, 73 percent will be on welfare within four years (see Starting Points—Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Children, New York: Carnegie Corporation, 1994, pp. 4, 21). I believe that it should be the blessing of every child to be born into a home where that child is welcomed, nurtured, loved, and blessed with parents, a father and a mother, who live with loyalty to one another and to their children. [4]

The Church of Jesus Christ Stands Strong in Defense of Families

In response to the growing societal trends shifting away from traditional families and values, The Church of Jesus Christ issued The Family: A Proclamation to the World in 1995. In introducing this proclamation, President Hinckley said:

With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn. In furtherance of this we of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles [the governing body of the Church] now issue a proclamation to the Church and to the world as a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history. [4]

The Family: A Proclamation to the World states:

We … declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. … The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

Read more about Mormons and their basic beliefs.

Utah is emerging as a leader in school-language initiatives, building “one of the largest and most ambitious programs in the nation.” Given that the state passed an English-only law in 2000 and routinely ranks at the bottom nationally on education spending, Utah may seem an unlikely champion for the cause. But the state’s drive has its beginnings in a tradition of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. “From the beginnings of Utah, it’s been part of our culture, the missionary effort of going out and living in foreign lands,” said Gov. Gary R. Herbert. [1]

For generations, members of The Church of Jesus Christ have embarked on proselytizing missions, and many have learned a foreign language so that “every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language” (Doctrine & Covenants 90:11—the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of modern revelations).

Educators and parents say the program is about academic development and preparing students for the global job market—not preparing Latter-day Saint students for future missionary service. “Yet they said Utah’s immigrant communities and the overseas peregrinations of its large Mormon population make it fertile ground to teach foreign languages.” [1]

Although parents were wary at first, many have caught the vision and are rushing to enter lotteries to place their children in the dual-language immersion programs, which begin in first grade. Students are taught half the day in English and half in a foreign language. So far the language options are French, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin, with German and Arabic as possible additions. [1]

Latter-day Saints Encouraged to Learn a Language

While educators and parents say the application of the language programs is strictly educational, there are benefits for young members of The Church of Jesus Christ as well. Elder Jacob de Jager, then a member of The Church of Jesus Christ’s Quorum of the Seventy (Seventies are called to proclaim the gospel and build up the Church) said:

I know from experience the great value of speaking foreign languages. We live in a rapidly shrinking world; we now travel distances in a day that in the past would have taken us weeks or even months. Mobility is the key word in international travel. And young people now go on trips farther and farther away from home and get acquainted with foreign cultures and foreign languages. But we in the Church look at the learning of languages differently from the way the world does. For us it is almost a sacred obligation given by the Lord. Because we have to take the gospel to every nation, we as Church members, more than ever before, must take the obligation upon us to learn foreign languages. The youth especially have to prepare themselves for this. … As time goes on, the need for a command of various languages will increase because the gospel will be taken to new countries where we haven’t been engaged in preaching the gospel so far. [2]

Meet Mormons

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, “Freedom of religion or Freedom of belief is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or not to follow any religion.”

On the outset, Wikipedia’s definition appears to be an all-encompassing one that should be viewed as equitable by all concerned, as at its core, it basically states that all people are free to believe what they will, and worship, or not worship, as they so desire. If one were to review the First Amendment of the United States Constitution in hopes of finding a duplicate definition, however, he will find that somewhat different wording is used.

Religious Liberty and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Ross Douthat in his New York Times article titled Defining Religious Liberty Down notes:

THE words “freedom of belief” do not appear in the First Amendment. Nor do the words “freedom of worship.” Instead, the Bill of Rights guarantees Americans something that its authors called “the free exercise” of religion.

It’s a significant choice of words, because it suggests a recognition that religious faith cannot be reduced to a purely private or individual affair. Most religious communities conceive of themselves as peoples or families, and the requirements of most faiths extend well beyond attendance at a Sabbath service — encompassing charity and activism, education and missionary efforts, and other “exercises” that any guarantee of religious freedom must protect. [1]

Our Religious Freedoms Are Under Attack

There is no question that our religious freedoms are under constant attack. It appears that those things which were once considered taboo or in direct violation of our First Amendment rights, have now all but become the accepted norm in some instances. One of the most recent threats to our religious freedoms is the raging battle against the family as the opposition incessantly attempts to redefine traditional marriage in defense of their “right” to be united in marriage to a person of the same gender.

According to the New York Times article, Defining Religious Liberty Down, dated 28 July 2012, First Lady, Michelle Obama, speaking to a conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church commented:

Our faith journey isn’t just about showing up on Sunday,” Michelle Obama said. “It’s about what we do Monday through Saturday as well … Jesus didn’t limit his ministry to the four walls of the church. He was out there fighting injustice and speaking truth to power every single day. [1]

And so, as this battle rages against our religious freedoms, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must take up arms, as it were, and make sure that we are fully dressed and prepared to fight on the front lines of that battle every day.

Defending the Cause of Religious Liberty

There are several organizations that are dedicated to defending the cause of religious liberty. One such organization is The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty located in Washington D.C. The organization was founded in 1994 by Kevin “Seamus” Hasson who was previously associated with a top law firm in Washington, D.C. The mission statement of the organization states in part:

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is a non-profit, public-interest legal and educational institute that protects the free expression of all faiths. The Becket Fund exists to vindicate a simple but frequently neglected principle: that because the religious impulse is natural to human beings, religious expression is natural to human culture. We advance that principle in three arenas—the courts of law, the court of public opinion, and the academy—both in the United States and abroad. [2]

There are also individuals who are recognized for their contributions to advancing religious freedom. One of those distinguished individuals is Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest presiding group within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church by the media and others.) In honor of his lifelong contributions, Elder Oaks will receive the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty’s Canterbury Medal at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty’s 18th anniversary “Canterbury Medal Dinner” which will be held on Thursday evening, 16 May 2013, at New York City’s Pierre Hotel.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since May 1984.  Prior to accepting his calling, he had a distinguished career in the law.  Elder Oaks clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, taught law at the University of Chicago, was in private legal practice, and served as a Justice of the Utah Supreme Court.  He continues to be a highly respected public speaker, addressing topics of law, policy, and culture throughout the country. [3]

“We’re privileged to add Elder Oaks to the distinguished list of Canterbury Medalists, each of whom has given a lifetime to defending our religious liberty,” said William P. Mumma, Becket Fund President.  “He is an eloquent advocate for the principle that American society is stronger for a diverse and robust presence of faith in our public square.” [3]

Concerning our religious freedoms, Elder Oaks in an address given at Chapman University School of Law on the topic of preserving religious freedom, in 2011 stated:

I submit that religious values and political realities are so inter-linked in the origin and perpetuation of this nation that we cannot lose the influence of religion in our public life without seriously jeopardizing our freedoms. [4]

Additional Resources:

Elder Dallin H. Oaks Speaks at University of Chapman Law School

Elder Dallin H. Oaks – Religious Freedom is at Risk

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

There’s a lot of junk in this world. Pornography, abuse, kidnappings, not to mention each person’s individual trials, including depression and other challenges. And that’s just close to home. Further away, there are wars, government upheavals, famines, outbreaks of various diseases, civil unrest, discrimination; the list could go on. For the most part, though, I am relatively happy.

But why? How can I be happy when I turn on the nightly news and hear about kidnapping victims in Ohio or a tragic building collapse in Bangledesh? Or when I call my family and hear about the cousin whose marriage has failed, just the latest in a long line of family tragedies? The answer is twofold: knowledge and action.

Knowledge of the Truth

The number one reason I am happy is because of what I know. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church, the things I believe give me the greatest opportunity for peace and happiness. Some pieces of knowledge that bring me the most peace and happiness are as follows

• God, our Heavenly Father, lives and loves us all. Because I know that Heavenly Father lives, I know He is in control, both of what happens on the earth as a whole and for me individually. Knowing that God is in control, always has been, and always will be, brings me great peace.
• Jesus Christ is the Savior of us all, and redeemed us from sin and death. Because I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, there is hope that I can overcome my weaknesses. When I make mistakes, and fall short, I know I can repent because of Jesus Christ. Knowing that I am not perfect, but that through the Savior I can become perfect, brings me peace.
• My family can be together forever, through the ordinances of the temple. Because I know that my family can live together forever, death is not as sad. I will see the people I love again, and can be with them for eternity, so long as we are faithful to God and His commandments. Knowing that my family is forever brings me peace, because no matter what happens in this life, it will all be all right in the next life.

Acting upon Knowledge of the Truth

Knowing all of these things is amazing. But just knowing isn’t enough; I need to act. I am happier when I am doing the things that God has commanded us to do. Some things I do that make me happy include the following:

• Reading the scriptures every day. This reminds me of what I know, and helps me to feel the Holy Ghost, or Spirit, more in my life.
• Praying to Heavenly Father every day. Expressing gratitude to God for His blessings reminds me how much I really have. Praying also helps me feel the Holy Ghost more in my life, and helps me to be happier.
• Serving others. Thinking about other people instead of myself always makes me happier. Whether I am serving my family, my friends, or people I don’t even know, the effect is the same.
• Going to the temple on a regular basis. The temple is one of the best places to feel peace. It helps me remember what’s important in my life. Even going to the temple grounds brings me peace and happiness.
• Working hard every day. I’m happier when I’m productive. Sitting around doing nothing doesn’t make me happy; getting up and doing good brings the best kind of satisfaction.

Doing these things brings me satisfaction because I know that I am doing what Heavenly Father wants me to do. When I am active, I feel like I am doing a something, even if it’s small, to make my life and the lives of other people better. In the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of revelations from the Lord given in modern times, the Lord commanded the Latter-day Saints to “be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness” (D&C 58:27). I can’t just sit around and despair because of the horrible state the world is in; I need to get up and do something.

One of the Church’s hymns, “Have I Done Any Good,” asks, “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?” Then it directs: “Then wake up and do something more than dream of your mansion above” (Hymns, “Have I Done Any Good”). Even dreaming about heaven isn’t enough; I need to get up and do something more. And getting up, doing good things, that makes me happy. We can be happy, even in an ever-darkening world, because of the knowledge we have and the actions we take.

Additional Resource:

What Mormons Believe

When Suzette Steward was nominated for the national “Top Teacher Award” in conjunction with the Live With Kelly and Michael morning show, it was obvious she made a big impact on those around her.   The award the result of a nationwide search of public and private schools from Pre-K through 12th grade; the Top Teacher program aims to honor teachers who make a difference in and out of the classroom.

An Exemplary Teacher

Written by Lisa Clements and placed on the show’s website, the submission about Suzette is sincere and telling:

Suzette is a unique, awesome, amazing person, teacher and friend. She grew up in the Katy area and returned after college to interact and teach our “special” kids. She teaches Special Education Kids at the Junior High School during school hours, but it doesn’t stop there.

Suzette saw the “NEED” for these kids to have a “fun” place to go and expand their social skills and abilities as well as increasing their academic standings. She opened a camp for the kids which she runs on holidays, weekends and summers when she is not teaching. In her “spare” (NOT) time she is also very involved with Special Olympics in our area. During the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, she found a friend that opened up their Cookoff Tent to our kids and allowed them to come be a part of a Huge Tradition in the Houston area and have the chance to ride rides, see livestock, meet real cowboys, watch roping, etc.

There is not minute of her life that she is not working or helping the Katy Kids. When she happens to have a weekend she could use for herself, she gives parents of “our” special kids the chance to have a break. She will bring our kids into her home and entertain them while the parents take a much needed vacation of their own.

Steward teaches at Cinco Ranch Junior High School in Katy, Texas.  She works with special needs children and has special programs for the students, including those children with Autism.

The camp founded by Steward is called Camp Journey, a camp for children like her students.

LDS Living writes,

Now a teacher of nine years, [she] spends weekends and summers working outside the classroom with her students. She runs camps that teach her students life skills, like how to go to the store or to the movies. She even takes kids for six to eight hours Saturdays to give the parents a much-needed break.

Award Winning Special Needs Teacher

Steward went on to clinch the win including: a trip for two to Tahiti, five eInstruction interactive instruction systems for her classroom, a 2014 Ford Escape, and $25,000 for Cinco Ranch Junior High School. As KTRK News in Texas reported:

A special needs teacher in Katy was named the top teacher in the country by ABC’s daytime TV show ‘Live with Kelly and Michael.’

Everyone at Cinco Ranch Junior High cheered as teacher Suzette Steward won the national honor. Kelly and Michael made the announcement Tuesday morning live on their show.

Steward was unaware of her nomination until she made it to the top 12 finalists. After being selected as one of the top five finalists, she flew to New York on May 2nd to appear on the Live with Kelly & Michael show.

The Gospel Gave Her Dedication

Steward is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often mistakenly called the Mormon Church).    She is a graduate of Brigham Young University – Idaho and has expressed that her knowledge of the gospel is what drives her to help these students:

A woman of devout faith and personal conviction, she explains her dedication to her students: “Having the gospel, I feel like we have a different understanding of why we’re here on earth and what these individuals’ purposes are here. I feel that the more I can help and the more I can be with these children, the more I can be an example to others around me to show that acceptance and show that understanding of love and compassion and patience that we all need to have in our lives.”

LDS Living goes on,

“The journey to get to this moment was long,” [she] explains, “I’ve always wanted to be around kids with disabilities and adults with disabilities and to be able to help them become better members of our society. It’s always been something that I love to do. I connect with these individuals, and they have a special place in my heart.” After graduating from BYU-Idaho with a degree in recreation leadership and a minor in health science, [she] concluded that she could run her recreation programs in the summer and spend the rest of the year teaching the students she so loves.

The Church of Jesus Christ Provides Disability Resources, Love

Ron Wilson (left), manager of Mormon.org, receives the 2013 Image Award from Mark Perriello, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) at their annual Leadership Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. © 2013 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a strong belief in loving and helping those with disabilities.  Church doctrine teaches that we are children of God no matter our circumstances and that we must serve one another.

The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS or Mormon) provides great resources for both disabled persons and the general membership of the Church.   These resources are intended both as assistance as well as education about disabilities.

Mormonnewsroom.org reported on this wide array of resources:

Church leaders have long encouraged members to value and welcome those with disabilities. In 1989 the First Presidency issued a statement urging increased awareness, understanding, acceptance and appreciation of those with disabilities, asking members to “help them feel respected, loved, and understood” and stating, “It is [the members’] opportunity and … responsibility to follow the example of Jesus in loving our neighbors.

Christopher Phillips, Disability Services manager, says the Church is continually looking for better ways to meet the needs of people with disabilities. “We want everyone to feel welcome and included in Church services and programs, so we try to provide resources to help,” Phillips said.

Those resources are compiled on the Church’s disability website, disabilities.lds.org, available in 10 languages. The site provides information, guidance and teaching helps for members with disabilities, families, teachers and leaders. Among the resources is a list of Church materials provided in a variety of accessible formats, including braille, audio, captioned video, American Sign Language and large print. The Church also strives to make its buildings and facilities around the world accessible to people with disabilities.

Phillips said beyond providing resources, the greatest need the Church strives to meet is to help members demonstrate love, respect and understanding toward individuals with disabilities.

Church Recognized for Positive Portrayals of Members With Disabilities

The Church of Jesus Christ has even been honored with the 2013 AAPD Image Award for “outstanding work in mass media which positively change public perceptions and opinions about people with disabilities.”

The award came in response to the well known, “I’m A Mormon” Campaign which features videos of real Mormons from all around the world.   Many of the Mormons featured are disabled persons who offer a genuine look into their lives and their outlook on disability as well as their faith.

Mormonnewsroom.org reports:

The award recognizes the Church’s representations of members with disabilities in its “I’m a Mormon” campaign profiles on Mormon.org.  AAPD President and CEO Mark Perriello called the profiles “powerful,” and said, “They tell the disability experience in a way that is real, no apologies, and it’s absolutely astounding.”

Ron Wilson, senior manager of Mormon.org, accepted the award and received a standing ovation from the audience. He said the goal of the campaign was to provide a glimpse into the lives of Mormons from all over the world, which naturally included members with disabilities.

“Mormons come from all paths of life, geographies, ethnicities, personal challenges, and abilities, but we are bound together by a common belief in Jesus Christ and a desire to follow His teachings,” Wilson said.

And that is an attitude that church member and special needs teacher, Suzette Steward, exemplifies every day.

Mormon.org Profiles of Members with Disabilities:

• Lorin
  
• Tim
• Vance
• Rochelle
• Jarem
• Ingrid
• Pierre
• Denny
• Tessa

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the Mormon Church) was restored in the United States, but has since spread to the whole world. The Church of Jesus Christ has a presence on almost every continent and seeks to influence the world for good. Its leaders and members seek out opportunities to serve communities, reach out to those in need, and share its message of hope and faith. [1]

The Church of Jesus Christ Donates to the Community

Some humanitarian service is headed up by the official Humanitarian Services department of The Church of Jesus Christ. Recently the Humanitarian Services donated large kitchen equipment—including stoves, ovens, and freezers—to an orphanage in Snyatyn, a town in southern Ukraine. With this equipment the orphanage can better prepare healthy meals for the children.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ don’t need the official Humanitarian Services department to give back to their communities, however. Church members in the Jinja district of Uganda recently rounded up footballs (what Americans call soccer balls) to donate to the Federation of Uganda Football Association. The giving of the donation was done in conjunction with the kickoff of the annual Presidential Under-16 Cup. The Church of Jesus Christ has offered loyal support to this organization, and this relationship is a great way for Ugandan Church members to involve themselves in their community.

The Federation of Uganda Football Association is not the only Ugandan organization to appreciate the presence of The Church of Jesus Christ. Political leaders in Uganda issued official thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ for its contributions that improve the lives of Ugandans. Among other contributions in Uganda, The Church of Jesus Christ has improved child nutrition, the water systems, and religious tolerance.

The Church of Jesus Christ Reaches Out to Share Its Message

In 2008, The Church of Jesus Christ announced the building of a temple in Rome, Italy, an announcement that was met with much excitement from Church members. The temple construction is well underway, and Church leaders are eager to involve Roman leader in the project. Gianni Alemanno and Cristiano Conelli, the Roman mayor and presidenty of the IV Municipality of Rome respectively, were invited to tour the temple site last April. Mayor Alemanno was especially impressed with the high construction standards The Church of Jesus Christ has for its temples. The Rome Italy Temple is designed to make a minimal impact on the environment and has systems engaged to handle water consumption and electrical production.

Church members in the Dominican Republic made an effort to share its values with the community. Taking inspiration from “Mormonads,” visuals that depict moral values and wholesome living, these Church members created an art gallery showcasing values like faith, self-esteem, health, service to others, modesty, obedience, honesty, self-confidence, patience, and courtesy. Started in 2011, the gallery has seen more than 38,000 visitors. The gallery is marketed to children and teenagers, but can be appreciated by anyone. The goal of the gallery is to empower its visitors to face the challenges of life with faith and courage.

The Church of Jesus Christ Impacts Those Around the World

Spreading the message of the gospel is an important mission of The Church of Jesus Christ, but it’s not the only aim. The Church of Jesus Christ places high priority on serving whenever and wherever it can. Church members seek to contribute to their communities and to build up those around them, regardless of whether the message of Christ is being verbally spread. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ strive to live by example and spread good wherever they are.

Additional Resource:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons