Mormon conference likely to push civility amid campaign vitriol

Mormon leaders aren’t expected to mention presidential candidates by name at this weekend’s church conference, but they may reiterate their push for more public civility and compassion.

Mormon scholar Armand Mauss says the church is careful to maintain political neutrality by refraining from backing one party or endorsing candidates. But leaders sometimes weigh in on what they consider crucial moral issues.

He says that allows members of the faith to infer which candidates the church favors by comparing its position on key topics with the campaigns.

David Campbell, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame, wrote a book saying Mormons listen to what leaders say in deciding how to vote.

The twice-a-year conference runs Saturday and Sunday in Salt Lake City.