by Richard Okelberry, Managing Editor, February 16th, 2008

A surprising discussion took place February 15th on KSL News, channel 5, a Utah television station that is incidentally owned by the largest Mormon denomination, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS.) The discussion centered around proposed legislation that would take away in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants. While the discussion seemed to start innocent enough it quickly degraded into a debate between Republican State Representative Glen Donnelson, the sponsor of the bill and Michael Clara of the Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly over whether or not recent comments by LDS church officials calling for compassion for illegal immigrants conflicted with the current proposed legislation.

During the discussion Michael Clara declared that recent statement by LDS church officials near the presidency had taken a stance against the legislation. Rep. Donnelson countered by explaining that he had personally contacted Church officials to ensure that the church had no problem with the current legislation. Near the end Michael Clara all but called Rep. Donnelson, a fellow member of the church, a liar by calling him disingenuous and even questioned whether the Rep. Donnelson was a hypocrite for supporting the right of an unborn child while denying Hispanic children with a "decent life." What truly made this discussion interesting was the fact that both gentlemen seemed to feel that the LDS Church's opinion on the matter should dictate whether or not the legislation should pass. This seems to be in stark contrast to assurances made by Church officials during the Mitt Romney Presidential campaign regarding the possibility that the Church might meddle politically should Romney be elected. In fact,

many feel that it is precisely this fear that Romney might be beholden to Church opinion that may have played a significant role in his defeat.

It seems that one thing is certain by this debate; the opinion of the LDS Church is, at least in the state of Utah, a very powerful and sought after political force. I hope to continue this discussion with a request to the LDS Church to clarify their position on Immigration. It should also be noted that the LDS Church is not the only faith dealing with this issue. I recently contacted the leaders of my own faith concerning how Lutherans should address the sins associate with Illegal immigration in the LincolnsBlog article titled "Guidance On Illegal Immigration Needed From Lutheran Leaders." It seems that interfaith ambiguity from church leaders is leading the faithful to believe that being compassionate towards illegal immigrants also includes accepting and ignoring both direct violations of the law as well as the transgressions of Trespassing, Lying, Bearing False Witness, Theft and Coveting. In essence, are we to believe that upholding fellow believers in their faith and commitment to God is no longer considered loving compassion?

-Richard Okelberry - Managing Editor