Imagine a scenario where our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, also served as the president of a country. It would be reminiscent of Alma the prophet serving as chief judge. Interestingly, such a situation nearly occurred in the past when Joseph Smith ran for president of the United States. Here’s a look at what happened:
- The governor of Missouri issued an order commanding the militia to expel 10,000 Saints from the state.
- Church members sought protection from local law enforcement, judges, the governor, and senators, but their pleas were ignored.
- Joseph Smith traveled to the U.S. Capitol to meet with the President and members of Congress, who also refused to help, citing that the Constitution did not permit the federal government to intervene in states’ matters regarding religious freedom.
- By 1844, Joseph Smith believed that running for president would raise awareness and promote religious freedom. He announced his candidacy in February of that year.
- Sadly, Joseph was assassinated just a few months later, making him the first presidential candidate in American history to be killed.
Joseph Smith had printed pamphlets outlining his vision for the country, advocating for religious freedom for everyone, not just the Saints. He declared, “If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a Mormon, I am bold to declare before heaven that I am just as ready to die for a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or any other denomination. It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul.”
Today, the U.S. Constitution has been amended, allowing the federal government to better protect groups facing discrimination, similar to the laws that promised freedom of religion in Alma’s time. Prophets and apostles continue to champion religious freedom for all. For instance, President Dallin H. Oaks, speaking in Italy, emphasized the importance of religious freedom, stating, “Freedom of religion and belief is an essential condition for a free society. It is the oldest of our internationally recognized fundamental rights… it was the first to receive formal protection [internationally]. As such, it can be seen as the grandparent of all the other rights.”
Religious liberty remains a vital principle, ensuring that everyone has the right to worship freely and without fear of persecution.
