Below is the text of a memorandum the Utah Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent encouraging Beehive State congregations to participate in American Founders and Constitution Month in September.
In the communique, area President Kevin W. Pearson and his counselors, Evan A. Schmutz and Hugo E. Martinez, point stake (regional) presidents and bishops to, among other suggestions, an organization called “Why I Love America,” which hopes to “reenergize a spirit of patriotism and recognition of God’s hand in the origin and destiny of America — that we will be a nation under God, not without God.”
You can read The Salt Lake Tribune’s previous story about this group, which is touted as “nonpartisan,” and why some question the Utah church leaders’ endorsement of it, especially in the wake of the governing First Presidency’s updated policy on political neutrality.
Here is the text of that memo, followed by a digital version of it:
Date: June 15, 2023.
To: Stake presidents, bishops, branch presidents.
From: Utah Area Presidency.
Subject: American Founders and Constitution Month.
The Utah State Legislature has designated the month of September each year as American Founders and Constitution Month (Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th). The State Legislature has requested that civic, fraternal, and religious organizations “recognize and observe this occasion through appropriate programs, teaching, meetings, services, or celebrations.”
In the spirit of that request, we encourage your stake to sponsor one patriotic event during the month of September that would (1) rekindle a spirit of patriotism by educating our Saints on the inspired principles of the Constitution (D&C 98:5-6; D&C 109:54) and/or (2) build a spirit of appreciation for our Founding Fathers who were raised up by the Lord (DC 101:78-80). In addition, it would be a timely opportunity to encourage individual families and members to study and gain a greater appreciation for the Founding Fathers and our inspired Constitution.
Attached is a list of suggested activities you might want to consider that could be appropriate patriotic events to sponsor and/or ways to encourage families and individuals to gain an even greater appreciation for God’s hand in the origin and destiny of America. Of course, your own revelation on the matter will be [the] best course for you to pursue.
A nonpartisan organization, operating under the title “Why I Love America,” is working with Utah schools, cities and interfaith organizations to sponsor events and articles that will help educate Utah citizens and students about our inspired Constitution and Founding Fathers. This organization hopes that their effort will reenergize a spirit of patriotism and recognition of God’s hand in the origin and destiny of America — that we will be a nation under God, not without God. The attached list of ideas includes some of their suggestions and materials available to promote this cause. We particularly draw your attention to the booklet “Why I Love America” (a copy of which will be sent to you and can also be ordered online) that would be a fun and educational way for families and individuals to learn about the Constitution.
May we all seek to gain a greater appreciation for God’s hand in America which will “be free from bondage and captivity ... if [we] but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12).
Suggested Ideas for American Founders and Constitution Month
Events that might be sponsored by Stakes:
• A sacrament meeting on September 17th devoted to the divine calling of the Founding Fathers & inspired principles of the Constitution (We have some wonderful talks by President Dallin H. Oaks and others on this subject).
• A patriotic concert.
• A patriotic art display.
• A special patriotic devotional.
• An art, speech or writing contest for the youth on “Why I Love America.”
• A patriotic parade.
• A Constitution read-along.
• Founding Fathers Fun Run passing milestones of historical significance.
• Youth provide American flags that can be flown during September.
Ideas for Families and Individuals
• Have a family home evening and read and discuss the booklet “Why I Love America” which can be digitally downloaded or hard copies ordered at WhyILoveAmerica.com.
• Fly the American Flag for the month of September.
• Read and Study the Constitution.
• Read and Study the Scriptures about God’s hand in the origin and destiny of America (1 Nephi 13:10-20; Ether 2:12; D&C 98:5-6; 101:78-80; 109:54).
Letter from Utah Area Presidency by Courtney on Scribd
Follow @sltribnoyce