Obama Shows Respect to Mormon President

There are reasons why Barack Obama has won such broad support from people of all different backgrounds, ages, regions, races, religions, and cultures.

One of those reasons is that he is a decent human being.

That decency was on display today as Senator Obama respectfully acknowledged the passing of the president of the Mormon church, a faith he could have easily written off as another right-wing, fundamentalist religion with no bearing on his political objectives. It was an act that most likely won't make national headlines. But it mattered to me.

As a Mormon progressive supporting Barack Obama, I hear the criticism from both sides. Some Mormons think voting for a Democrat is akin to denying the faith. Meanwhile, many liberals write off all Mormons as strange and delusional. (I won't even get into what many Evangelicals think of Mormons).

Mitt Romney, unfortunately, hasn't done much to change the stereotypes. His run for president has been disappointing not only because of his pro-war, pro-guns, double Guantanamo, favor the rich policies, but because of his consistently un-principled, say-and-do-whatever-is-necessary-to-win strategy.

There are many Mormons like myself who reject both his policies and his politics.

We have looked elsewhere for a candidate who represents our values. And we have found that candidate in Senator Barack Obama.

The most recent demonstration of Barack Obama's class, grace, and integrity came in response to the recent passing of the Mormon Church's beloved president, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Barack Obama was scheduled to campaign in Utah this Saturday. While not containing hundreds of delegates, Utah is considered a toss-up state in this tight election where every delegate counts. Nevertheless, Barack Obama canceled his stop in Utah in deference to President Hinckley's funeral.

In a statement, Senator Obama said: "Last night I spoke with President Thomas Monson and expressed my deepest sympathies to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley."

Obama could have easily just held his rally or skipped it without a word. With his busy schedule he certainly didn't have to call President Monson and offer his condolences. But he did. And to me it says a great deal about his character.

I know the general reader doesn't know much about Gordon B. Hinckley, but he was loved by many, including myself, for reaching out to people of all races, religions, and countries. As many people know, the Mormon church (like America) has an unfortunate history in regards to racism, but Hinckley helped bring us out of that dark past and into an understanding that we are all God's children and that no one should be considered a second-class citizen because of race or ethnicity. Under his leadership, the church flourished in Africa, where it has also provided consistent humanitarian aid. Hinckley also helped establish the Perpetual Education Fund, which helped people around the world living in poverty (primarily in developing nations) receive an education.

One of Hinckley's greatest legacies was his inclusiveness. Mormons have a reputation sometimes for being self-righteous and exclusive, but Hinckley taught us to not be "clannish," to reach out to people, and respect and appreciate the beauty and goodness of those from different faiths and worldviews.

President Hinckley wasn't perfect, but he was a good man and will be missed by many.

On behalf of many other Mormons throughout the world, we thank Senator Obama for his thoughtfulness and sensitivity at this difficult time. It is a gesture that won't soon be forgotten.

Comments

[cbrouche]

I think it is a very nice gesture for Obama to call and give sympathies over the loss of President Hinckley. But did you ever stop to think that maybe he moved his campaign to another day to ensure a better turnout? How many people in Utah would have attended a campaign, over the funeral services of the president of the Mormon church? My guess is there would have been a poor turnout at the campaign.

[Storm]

Braod support? Bologna.

Is it a lake if it's a millimeter deep and ten miles wide? The Cult of Obama is going to have a decision to make on Tuesday: become the next group of Naderites or get on board with the team for the big win.

[GetHappy]

Obama did the right thing. Clearly he was raised right.

As for Hinckley's lauded inclusiveness: What efforts did he make to reach out to gays and lesbians? Did he appreciate the beauty and goodness of our worldview? Just askin'.

[LeftRight]

I'm not a Mormon, but my best friend from high school is one. He and I spent many a lazy weekend day discussing our respective religions, and while there are some Mormons out there who are right-wing nutjobs, there are at least as large a percentage (and many more numerically) who are evangelical.

I respected Mr. Hinckley for his words, and though I never grew to "love" him (for the same reason that I never "loved" the leader of my church, the Archbishop of Canterbury) I truly felt that he was a great man.

I'm glad that my Senator was willing to ignore the stereotypes and reach out to Mr. Monson and offer his condolences on the passing of Mr. Hinckley.

[Wanod]

I find it condenscending how the media treat Obama, it's pathetic. The cable news is the most sorry's bunch of all. They are catering to Obama now, and if he win's the Primary the will tear him to shreads. It's all a big farst, and i dare they compare him to Dr. King.

[MRb1000]

This was the right thing to do. People forget to do the right thing when no one is looking. We need more American Leaders like Obama. We are all Gods children.

[Thorn]

Why are you talking about a presidential candidate as though he's your polite 12-year-old son?

[vbond]

"There are reasons why Barack Obama has won such broad support from people of all different backgrounds, ages, regions, races, religions, and cultures.

One of those reasons is that he is a decent human being."

Amen.