LDS Church releases statement regarding armed occupation in Oregon
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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement condemning the actions of an armed militia occupying a federal building in Oregon.
“While the disagreement occurring in Oregon about the use of federal lands is not a Church matter, Church leaders strongly condemn the armed seizure of the facility and are deeply troubled by the reports that those who have seized the facility suggest that they are doing so based on scriptural principles,” the statement on mormonnewsroom.org reads.
It continues: “We are privileged to live in a nation where conflicts with government or private groups can – and should – be settled using peaceful means, according to the laws of the land.”
The statement comes one day after the Ammon Bundy, the son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, took over a building on a federal wildlife refuge in Harney County, Oregon.
Both Ammon and Cliven are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Ammon Bundy vowed to stay “as long as it takes” while showing support for Dwight and Steven Hammond, father and son ranchers jailed on a 2001 arson conviction.
Local prosecutors said the Hammonds attempted to cover up poaching by burning nearly 130 acres of land. The father served 3 months. The son served 1 year. However, a judge ruled their terms were too short under federal law and ordered them back to prison.
A day before they seized the building, Bundy posted a video to YouTube explaining how he felt an “overwhelming urge” to support the Hammonds.
“I got on my knees and I asked the Lord,” said Bundy in his video. “and said ‘Lord, if you want me to write something then please help me clear my mind and show me what I should write.’ And that’s what happened.”