Oy.
21.1.21
Income Taxes
Church members are obligated by the twelfth article of faith to obey the tax laws of the nation where they reside (see also D&C 134:5). Members who disapprove of tax laws may try to have them changed by legislation or constitutional amendment. Members who have well-founded legal objections may challenge tax laws in the courts.
Church members who refuse to file a tax return, pay required income taxes, or comply with a final judgment in a tax case are in direct conflict with the law and with the teachings of the Church. Such members may be ineligible for a temple recommend and should not be called to positions of principal responsibility in the Church. Members who are convicted of willfully violating tax laws are subject to Church discipline to the extent warranted by the circumstances. --linkNote: internal links added by diarist
Since we haven't seen Mitt's taxes, we cannot even begin to address whether he has met tenets of this. I have my doubts that Mitt hands over his taxes to his Ward in order to establish whether or not he's paying his
required 10% tithe. I can just see his Bish trying to ferret through those tax forms when, in fact, he is likely not a high-flying tax accountant.
21.1.25
Members’ Occupations, Professions, and Affiliations
Baptism into the Church, priesthood ordinations, and the issuing of temple recommends are based on the personal worthiness of each individual as established by a careful interview by that person’s local priesthood leaders. Members of the Church should endeavor to be involved in activities and employment upon which they can in good conscience ask the blessings of the Lord and which are consistent with the principles of the gospel and the teachings of the Savior.[Note: bolding mine]
I wonder what offshore tax haven Jesus used and whether he off-shored jobs and closed down local carpenter shops for cheaper products elsewhere.
21.1.27
Other Faiths
Much that is inspiring, noble, and worthy of the highest respect is found in many other faiths. Missionaries and other members must be sensitive and respectful toward the beliefs of others and avoid giving offense. Stake and mission presidents who have questions about relationships with non-Christian faiths should contact a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency. Other local leaders who have such questions should contact the stake or mission president.
So, given the rash of Jewish baptisms that no doubt are still taking place [but now unreviewable because they are hidden behind a closed door], I guess the Jews didn't rate respect. Well, actually, Jews and all other non-LDS are called Gentiles by the LDS, so that's an interesting little word game. But hey, it's all about respect.
Oh, and about that respect...
21.1.12
Copyrighted Materials
The laws governing creative works and their permissible use vary from one country to another. The Church policies outlined in this section are consistent with international treaties that are applicable in most countries. For simplicity, this section refers to a creator’s rights as “copyright.” However, certain of these rights may be known by different names in some countries.
Copyright is protection given by law to the creators of original works of authorship that are expressed in a tangible form, including:
1. Literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works.
2. Works of art, photography, and sculpture.
3. Audio and audiovisual works (such as movies and videos, CDs, and DVDs).
4. Computer programs or games.
5. Internet and other databases.
Church members should strictly observe all copyright laws. ...
Mitt, you owe
Al Green an apology [A web video using President Obama’s singing skills against him has been pulled from YouTube for
copyright infringement]. Gee, maybe money, too.
21.1.29
Political and Civic Activity
As citizens, Church members are encouraged to participate in political and governmental affairs, including involvement in the political party of their choice. Members are also urged to be actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make them wholesome places in which to live and rear families.
In accordance with the laws of their respective governments, members are encouraged to register to vote, to study issues and candidates carefully, and to vote for individuals whom they believe will act with integrity and sound judgment. Latter-day Saints have a special obligation to seek out, vote for, and uphold leaders who are honest, good, and wise (see D&C 98:10).
While affirming the right of expression on political and social issues, the Church is neutral regarding political parties, political platforms, and candidates for political office. The Church does not endorse any political party or candidate. Nor does it advise members how to vote. However, in some exceptional instances the Church will take a position on specific legislation, particularly when it concludes that moral issues are involved. Only the First Presidency can speak for the Church or commit the Church to support or oppose specific legislation or to seek to intervene in judicial matters. Otherwise, stake presidents and other local leaders should not organize members to participate in political matters or attempt to influence how they participate. [Note: Bolding mine]
So just in case any of you were wondering, the church Prophet was the force behind Prop 8, with Mitt donating on the side of his guy. Of course, he was for it before he was against it. I guess the Prophet didn't get any messages from God on Massachusetts marriage laws. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
Well, I could go on and on, but you people get the picture.