LDS Church releases statement about occupation of federal facility in Oregon

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Monday about the occupation a federal building in Oregon by a group of armed protesters.

The statement posted on www.mormonnewsroom.org reads.

“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. This armed occupation can in no way be justified on a scriptural basis. 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.”

Group leaders Ammon and Ryan Bundy are members of the LDS Church.