"Address of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the World"
... Neither is it true, as alleged, that "Mormonism" is destructive of the sanctity of the marriage relation; on the contrary, it regards the lawful union of man and woman as the means through which they may realize their highest and holiest aspirations. ...
The only conduct seemingly inconsistent with our professions as loyal citizens, is that involved in our attitude during the controversies that have arisen respecting plural marriage. ... What our people did in disregard of the law and of the decisions of the Supreme Court affecting plural marriages, was in the spirit of maintaining religious rights under constitution guaranties, and not in any spirit of defiance or disloyalty to the government.
The "Mormon" people have bowed in respectful submission to the laws enacted against plural marriage. ...
Those who refer to "'Mormon' polygamy" as a menace to the American home, or as a serious factor in American problems, make themselves ridiculous. So far as plural marriage is concerned, the question is settled....
JOSEPH F. SMITH, JOHN R. WINDER, ANTHON H. LUND, In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, March 26, 1907.
Adopted by vote of the Church, in General Conference, April 5, 1907.
[1907-March 26-Improvement Era 10:481-495 (May, 1907), in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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