Growing LDS presence in D.C.

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“We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.”

Doctrine and Covenants 134:3

An increasing number of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) in Washington, D.C. are seeking to administer equity and justice, by getting politically involved.

Though many know of the political presence of Mitt Romney and John Huntsman Jr., few know of the vast presence Latter-day Saints have in D.C.

LDS presence in Washington, D.C.

• within 10 miles of Washington, D.C. there are 13,000 active LDS Church members
• there are more than 25 local meetinghouses
• there is the Washington, D.C. temple
• there is a BYU residence building that houses 120 BYU student interns each year

15 LDS members currently serving in the U.S. Congress

1. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)
2. Mike Lee (R-Utah)
3. Rob Bishop (R-Utah)
4. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)
5. Jim Matheson (D-Utah)
6. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
7. Raul Labrador (R-Idaho)
8. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho)
9. Wally Herger (R-Calif.)
10. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.)
11. Harry Reid (D-Nevada)
12. Dean Heller (R-Nevada)
13. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico)
14. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)
15. Eni Faleomavaega (D-Am. Samoa)

“Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

Personal Notes: The older I get, the more I realize the impact government has on our individual lives.  The values supported by a government set the tone for the lives of its governed.  History’s shown that if government is not carefully checked, terrible things can happen.  One way we can pursue a better world is by getting involved in politics.