Priesthood Session: President Gordon B. Hinckley
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There is a divine purpose for several church operations and actions which members may have questions about.
The church takes stands on legislative matters that are of a strictly moral nature or directly affect the welfare of the church. Such is currently the case in California where Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage.
"God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God himself."
Even so, "Our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance or abuse of those who profess homosexuality, either individually or as a group."
The sponsorship of Brigham Young University, a largely secular institution, has doctrinal roots in the history of the church. Members are obligated to not only learn of ecclesiastical matters, but also of secular ones.
The church owns several businesses which directly serve the needs of the church, including the Deseret News and television and radio stations in order to "speak with people across the world. We must speak at home to let our stand be known and abroad to acquaint others with our work."
Church businesses operate for profit and contribute to a charitable foundation which benefits local and world-wide humanitarian efforts.
