LDS Church supports call for Constitutional Amendment

SALT LAKE CITY, UT-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Monday publicly supported a call from the Religious Coalition for Marriage for an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

The Church released its own statement from Salt Lake City hours after the coalition- representing some 40 religious leaders-issued its call in New York.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints agrees with many other religious bodies and leaders that an amendment to the Constitution of the United States is necessary to protect and preserve the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. The church has previously issued two statements in support of a constitutional amendment on marriage.

"As stated in The Family: A Proclamation to the World, 'We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.'

"Because national campaigns on moral, social or political issues often become divisive, the church urges those who participate in public debate - including its own members - to be respectful of each other. While disagreements on matters of principle may be deeply held, an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect is most conducive to the strength of a democratic society. "