Posted on 12/26/2009 8:49:03 AM PST by Colofornian
It's a call to the Elders of Israel.
Idaho's gubernatorial candidate Rex Rammell exclusively invites Mormon men to a meeting where he'll discuss Joseph Smith's prophecies regarding the constitution.
Critics say it's merely a way to use his faith to further his campaign.
Rammell believes it's his duty to rally the troops, his fellow LDS elders who he claims responsible for saving the nation's constitution.
But some say his Mormons-only invitation may end up hurting him when it's time to go to the polls.
Blurring the lines between politics and religion, that's what some call Rex Rammell's exclusive Elders of Israel" conference.
"I think it's appropriate and I will continue to speak strongly to get down on their knees and ask God to save this country because if we don't do something, it's going to be lost," explained Republican Gubernatorial candidate Rex Rammell.
Rammell says it's about the battle to save the nation's crippling constitution.
He stands by Joseph Smith's prophecy which says, "The Latter-Day Saints, the Elders of Israel, will step forward to its rescue and save it."
However, Rammell's mixture of religion and politics doesn't sit well with some who argue he's offending other faiths.
"I'm tired of people telling me that I can't bring god and the constitution into my campaign speeches. I absolutely disagree with that,"
"He's so concerned about one type of branch. He'd be hurt in the polls but I think he can do what he wants," said David Harris of Idaho Falls.
Not only is the meeting exclusively for Mormon men, Rammell says his forum won't have enough room for LDS women and it's the elders' duty to tell their wives.
"Do you think that's a little discriminatory?" asked Danielle. "I hope not. I think the LDS women will understand and the prophecy which I'm talking about is about the LDS elders, to take a stand and save the constitution," explained Rammell.
"I'm sure he's offending other people. I'm slow to take offense. I find him amusing, what really caught my eye was he was sorry there wasn't room for the women which I wonder if any LDS women will take an offense to that?" Earline Reid.
Rammell tells us he's not ashamed or trying to hide anything in these meetings.
Further, hoping to fix the state, the nation and stand up for the country's constitution.
We called the Public Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."
A spokesman released this statement to us.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is politically neutral and does not endorse or promote any candidate party or platform.
Accordingly, we hope that the campaign practices of political candidates would not suggest that their candidacy is supported by or connected to the church."
Rammell is running against incumbent C.L. "Butch" Otter and Ada County Commissioner Sharon Ullman in Idaho's GOP primary election next May.
It’s just common sense.
Those that are paying for it, get a bigger say in it.
As for the bread(or crackers, whatever) and wine, and the collection plates...that’s the church equivalent of the “color guard”, or the “honor guard”.
Anyone could do that so long as they are excellent examples of what a church goer should be. Elders should have first crack at it since they are the most respectable(or should be) members.
Obviously, there will be exceptions. You can’t have some rich scumbag off the street walk in and write a million dollar check then demand to be an elder. No matter how rich you are, less than exemplary life should exclude you. also, years of attendance and number of absences should figure into it, imo.
I don’t see why people would get bent out of shape if there are no female elders. It’s just tradition. Besides, women have too much power as it is.
If women show up, will they be REFUSED entrance: like a NON-TRed mormon at a temple wedding?
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No idea. Shame I am not in Idaho. I would crash it, just to see.
No one is saying that it's illegal. But if he's going to formulate policy based on meetings solely of Mormon men discussing Smith's prophecies, that is certainly something the voters of Idaho may wish to consider.
See post 45 or you are just pulling my leg. If that’s the case you got me.
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I fully support Mr. Rammell’s right as an American citizen to meet privately with his fellow elders in private to discuss policy.
I also support Idaho voter’s right to vote against him if they so choose.
All right, you may be describing how things work in practice, especially in little country churches, but that’s not the same thing as how it ought to be; Paul warns against treating people in church differently just because one is rich and another poor. That’s the way of the world, what you call “common sense.” Christians are supposed to love one another equally, as God does. That’s where equality under the law here in America comes from!
Not all churches have the elders serve as ushers, either, but you’re right about people treating it like a color guard. Finally, “women have too much power as it is”? What would get done without a LOL (Little Old Lady) Brigade doing it? Read the end of the Epistles; Paul almost always thanks the ladies of the church. Just because tradition keeps gals from the “elder” title doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a say.
Well... if you're ever in close proximity to the White House...
Amen and amen!
I fully support NOW if they wish to stand along side the discriminated against MORMON women an PICKET the meeting.
If it weren't for them, hardly ANYTHING would get done in MOST churches!
Yup.
Hi!
We're sorry; but where is the White HORSE party??
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