Democratic Mormons in Utah pray for unity

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Utah Democratic Party's Mormon caucus organized a day of prayer and fasting this week in hopes of ending the country's political divisiveness.

The Deseret News reports Tuesday's effort was to promote bipartisanship and civility, which are Christian values. Members of the caucus decided to wait until after the election to ensure the event was not misconstrued as favoring a political party or candidate.

Caucus vice chairman Steven Olsen says there are about 1,700 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are on the Democrat caucus email list.

Olsen hopes the fast and prayer will lead people to put aside political ideologies and seek common-sense solutions based on the teaching of the gospel.

___

Information from: Deseret News

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)