The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints very rarely involves itself in the political arena, but, on the position of same-sex marriage, it has been vehement in its campaigning.

News agencies across the United States, including Mormon Times, are reporting that the First Presidency has sent a letter to all units in California, urging members to ‘do all [they] can’ to support a constitutional amendment that would prohibit gay marriage in California indefinitely.

This is not the first time the Church has entered the political arena in support of the sanctity marriage.  Now, Church members will be galvanised into voting for this amendment.

The admendment is in response to a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a referendum on the subject.  Gay marriage is now legal, but the amendment would define marriage in the Constitution as between a man and a woman.

The letter states: ‘Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.’