LDS Canadian MP Seeks Party Leadership

An LDS doctor, Grant Hill, who also represents the McLeod riding in Canada's parliament, may decide as early as Monday to seek the leadership of the relatively new Canadian Alliance party, which has its roots in Alberta province. Should he run for party leader, Hill may face three other candidates, including former Alliance leader Stockwell Day. Hill says he has been pressured by friends and a broad base of party members from across Canada to seek the position.

LDS Senator Gets Endorsement from The Human Rights Campaign

Oregon Senator Gordon Smith, one of five LDS Church members serving in the U.S. Senate, has received the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay and lesbian political organization, in his effort to win reelection in 2002. Smith is the only Republican and only Mormon endorsed by the campaign, which comes because of his work in fighting discrimination.

Mormon Head of Religious Freedom Commission Worries About U.S. Allies Commitment

A watchdog commission headed by a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says it worries that some new, less-than-savory allies in the war on terrorism might now feel they have license to continue violating religious freedom in their countries. The call for caution comes from Michael Young, chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom - a monitoring group set up by Congress. Young recently joined experts, academics and other watchdog groups in a discussion on religious freedom in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.