Abstract

Since the inception of the United Nations in 1945, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have made public statements regarding the international peace and security organization. To the confusion of many Church members, who often look to their leaders for prophetic guidance on numerous spiritual and temporal topics, these statements have been conflicting. Some Church leaders have clearly opposed the United Nations and others have openly supported it, offering various ideological explanations for their beliefs. Yet, it is evident that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never made an official position on the topic of the United Nations. Church members are free to exercise their agency and either oppose or support the organization as they deem necessary. Regardless of personal opinions, a relationship has emerged between the Church and the United Nations in the past few decades through joint humanitarian efforts, as well as official and unofficial interactions. Since the United Nations is most likely a permanent fixture of the political world, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is concerned with topics of international importance, it appears this relationship will continue to blossom throughout the future.

Degree

MA

College and Department

David M. Kennedy Center

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etdm422

Keywords

United Nations, Public opinion, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Clergy, Attitudes, Church, international organization

Language

English

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