-
Official Statement on the January 6 Anniversary
One year ago, on January 6, 2021, America watched in horror as a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to disrupt Congress and claim the presidency by unlawful means. While the insurrectionists did not succeed in their aim, they nonetheless stole something as important as an election — our national confidence in the peaceful transfer of power, and our faith in our fellow citizens. This year we have lived with a fractured and fragile peace. Before January 6, our electoral processes were a hopeful manifestation of positive peace — constructive and generative engagement with the opposition. As a nation, we had attitudes, systems, and institutions that promoted…
-
Updating the Electoral Count Act of 1887
For a downloadable two-page info sheet on the Electoral Count Act, click here or scroll to the bottom of this post. The Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887 sets out the process of casting and counting electoral votes after a presidential election. It is intended to encourage states to resolve controversial electoral outcomes prior to sending results to Congress in order to avoid the conflicts of interest and pursuit of partisan power that would likely occur if Congress were charged with resolving every election dispute. Unfortunately, the text of the ECA is confusing and antiquated, which means the counting of electoral votes remains vulnerable to abuse by partisan actors. The…
-
MWEG UT Official Statement on 2021 Redistricting
Yesterday the Utah House and Senate discarded the fair and transparent Independent Redistricting Commission maps and instead passed the redistricting maps created by the Legislative Redistricting Committee. We are concerned that what we have just witnessed, especially with regards to the congressional map, is a clear attempt by legislators to exercise undue influence over voters, doing so in a way that does not engender trust in processes or follow standards of transparency. We recognize that these maps have passed with a veto proof majority, but the governor has not only refused to speak in defense of the people of Utah, he has justified his disengagement by claiming he is doing…
-
Principles of Ethical Government: Reform Unjust Laws
Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Principles of Ethical Government (3)(g) states: 3(g) When laws are unjust — especially when they violate the human and civil rights of vulnerable or marginalized groups — all citizens have an obligation to work toward reformation of those laws, whether or not they are directly harmed by those unjust laws (see Alma 30:7). We desire to work toward a more peaceful, just, and ethical world, one grounded firmly in a vision of Zion and a hope in Christ and His redemptive power. Zion will only be achieved when its people are of “one heart and one mind, . . . [with] no poor among them”…
-
Principles of Ethical Government: Peaceful Protest & Civil Disobedience
Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Principles of Ethical Government (3)(f) states: 3(f) All people have a duty to obey the law (see D&C 134:6 and Article of Faith 12). This duty does not, however, preclude the possibility of peaceful protest against and civil disobedience to unjust laws (see Exodus 1:15-17). We believe in “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” The rule of law requires all people — elected officials included — to abide by the laws of the land. As D&C 134 makes clear, those laws are established to protect our “inherent and inalienable rights” (v. 5) and should operate “for the good and safety of society” (v. 1). We…
-
Official Statement From MWEG on a Faith-Based Defense of the Freedom to Vote
As faith-inspired activists and advocates for ethical governance, we are deeply motivated by our belief that every individual is an infinitely valuable child of God. Our love of democratic governance is a natural outgrowth of this, as is our passionate desire to protect it. The freedom to vote is a clear political manifestation of the individual worth of souls. Ensuring that right for all citizens is an expression of the second great commandment within our political systems — to love our neighbors as ourselves. We cannot claim to truly love our neighbors if we also deny their constitutional right to participate equally in the formation of our shared government. We…
