We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.I don't know for sure, but I think that this Article of Faith may be unique among the official stated beliefs of most religions.
We do believe that it is important to obey the law, and be subject to the law of the land--even if we don't agree with it. If we don't like a particular law, we should work through the official channels to get the law repealed or changed. If we live in a country where the leaders are elected by the citizens, we should participate in those elections, and vote for those who we feel will best lead the country. The church does not endorse any political party or person. You will find that there are many members of our church in all political parties.
In the countries that our church has a presence where there are not the freedoms that we have here in the United States, we teach the members there to follow the laws of their countries as well. That is sometimes a difficult thing to do, as some laws may conflict with some of the aims and teachings of the church. For example, in some countries, it is illegal to publicly proselytize. We don't have missionaries in those countries who share the gospel with others. We hope that those laws will change sometime in the future, but until they do, we do obey those laws.
Now, I don't claim to be perfect in obeying every law 100% (My wife can attest to the fact that I sometimes drive faster than the posted speed limit for example) You will find that none of the members of our church are perfect, nor do we claim to be. Though we do try to be more Christlike in all our doings.
"That which we persist in doing becomes easier to us..." (Ralph Waldo Emerson but often attributed to Heber J. Grant). If we have made a good habit out of obeying laws there are no issues to deal with. When I have taken liberty once it is so much easier thereafter. Personally, I'm referring to driving laws, but of course, in general as well.
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