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SALT LAKE CITY — The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a statement Wednesday congratulated President-elect Donald Trump and thanked Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.
The church leaders further encouraged people to be peacekeepers in their families and communities.
"We congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America. We invite all to pray for him, other elected officers, and leaders of nations around the world. Praying for those in public office is a long tradition in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," the church leaders said.
"Given the difficult challenges of our day, it is vital that we look to God for guidance and blessing and seek to be peacemakers in our homes and communities," the statement continued.
"We commend Vice President Kamala Harris for her candidacy and thank her and President Joe Biden for their public service at the nation's highest levels. We wish them both well for the years ahead.
"May all our local, national, and world leaders be blessed with wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great public trust afforded to them," the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said.
The statement comes the same day former President Trump claimed victory in the race, and Harris conceded the election.
The church is neutral in political matters, according to the church website, "however, as an institution, it reserves the right to address issues it believes have significant moral consequences or that directly affect the mission, teachings or operations of the church."
The church does not endorse or promote political parties or candidates, nor does it advise its members on how to vote.
