At this time it is interesting and very historical what we witness in the choices to lead our nation in 2013.

We have President Obama who has had a term to show himself in service. He is handsome, brilliant, humorous, timely and fully able to reach out to others.

Obama’s opposition, while having served the public and private sectors, is not as well known. As extraordinary as our first African-American president is, Romney deserves and benefits from some explanation of his faith which is rightfully influential to him and the solid bedrock of his being- doings, sayings and thinking.

Governor Romney is Latter-day Saint (LDS) commonly known as Mormon. His running mate is Catholic, in many respects in total opposition to LDS yet both with clean hands and pure heart serve the Lord and Jesus Christ.

I am familiar with both these faiths having attended the Catholic when in college and joining LDS at age 28, 50 years ago at this writing.

As we have learned much with President Obama and his background, an admirable and interesting heritage, it is equally interesting and important to look at LDS, the background of Romney.

The LDS is the only American established church, almost 200 years old with a membership exceeding the better known Episcopalian faith. LDS is for its believers, followers of the faith, the reestablishment of the church as was officially active in Christ’s time.

There is a Prophet, 12 apostles, and all the positions and doctrine of the original church. There is no paid ministry yet it is as charitable as any organization.

It requires of all members in order to make progress to serve, giving at least 10 percent of their gross income and time, clean living free of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and the avoidance of abusing self and others with strict adherence to the 10 commandments, all with a joyful healthy regard for the family tradition governed by God (Heavenly Father) and Jesus Christ the Son.

All worthy members are counseled by a constant guardian angel called the Holy Ghost. The regular Sunday church meetings (opened to all) takes place in a traditional church setting called a Branch or Ward, depending on membership size.

Additionally, and unique to the latter-day discipline, is the existence of the LDS Temples. Not a secret but a very sacred place for members who qualify.

This building is set apart to comply with original intent as defined in the Bible for eternal works such as sacred marriage for time and eternity, and baptism of those by proxy who shed mortality before they had the opportunity of that essential ordinance (age 8 at the earliest).

Being a registered Libertarian and not presently Mormon, I do not speak on behalf or authority of LDS or political candidates.

Still I would like in closing to urge the curious and others interested in what makes Romney tick to attend the LDS Ward, 9 a.m. Sunday meetings at the Ward building, Glenn Street Extension here in Newberry.

All are welcome.

Jim Livingston,

Newberry