SALT LAKE CITY — The top leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement condemning last week's riots and any possible future violence of similar nature.
In a statement Friday, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote that they "condemn violence and lawless behavior, including the recent violence in Washington, D.C. and any suggestion of further violence."
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The church's second-in-command had denounced the idea of rejecting the results of the election months before the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol led by supporters of President Donald Trump who believed the election was stolen from the incumbent.
“We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome,” President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, said in the October General Conference session.
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The church's statement reminded members of the faith that the institution remains neutral on party politics, and that "No political or other affiliation should supersede that covenant and sacred responsibility" of following Jesus Christ.
The statement also reiterated the church's 12th Article of Faith, which states that members believe in "obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
Click here to read the church's full statement.
