This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I'm from Australia currently working in Malaysia and, as a former bishop, branch president and district president of the LDS Church, I am well aware of the influence that church leaders, in particular the prophet, have over its members.
As such, would Mitt Romney take directions from the prophet of the church if he were elected president? Of course he would! And any pretense that the prophet or the church wouldn't try to influence him on matters important to them is just fantasy.
So, should anyone vote for a president of a country who can be directed or influenced by others? Of course not! And those who try to promote that being a member of the church is incidental to the office of president, or any other position for that matter, needs to have a reality check!
The fact that Mitt has a temple recommend indicates that he has already given his total obedience to his leaders in all matters.
Alan C. Robinson
Melbourne, Australia
