# Mormon Secret Service Agents? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 9, 2012, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249 "2012-10-09T19:51:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bannedit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Bannedit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bannedit)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/1 "2012-10-09T19:51:54Z")
If there aren’t any, who checks out a Mormon temple prior to the Republican nominee entering? Surely the Secret Service wouldn’t let Governor Romney enter a building without ensuring it is safe to do so. Would the Church make an exception to their policy of not allowing non-Mormons to enter? ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/2 "2012-10-09T20:02:59Z")
I don’t believe all areas of the Mormon Temple are restricted to non-Mormons, so unless the Governor is going into an area that is restricted to non-Mormons I don’t see an issue. And if he is going into an area that is restricted then the church would have to make an exception, which given the circumstances isn’t that big of a deal IMO. ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/3 "2012-10-09T20:15:20Z")
> [@dolphinboy](#): > > I don’t believe all areas of the Mormon Temple are restricted to non-Mormons, so unless the Governor is going into an area that is restricted to non-Mormons I don’t see an issue. And if he is going into an area that is restricted then the church would have to make an exception, which given the circumstances isn’t that big of a deal IMO. Technically that’s correct. When you first enter the temple, there is a lobby/waiting area where people can sit and visit while waiting for others to come out of the temple, but anyone going past the lobby area will need a “Temple Recommend”, a card issued by the member’s church leaders to indicate that he is a member in good standing, and is able to enter the temple. As I understand it, there have been times, especially outside the US, when minor repairs are needed, such as plumbing or electrical issues and no LDS plumbers or electricians were available, that temples have been closed for a day or two while the repairs were done, and then re-opened. In Romney’s case, if he were elected, I’m sure that some LDS Secret Service agents could be found to accompany him in the temple, and if not, he would probably exercise discretion and not go to the temple while he is in office. ETA: On re-reading the OP, I should clarify that the LDS temples are different from our normal houses of worship. Anyone is welcome at normal LDS meetinghouses, including Secret Service agents. It is only at the temples, where sacred ordinances are performed, that non-members are excluded. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/4 "2012-10-09T20:19:31Z")
Here’s an article [from the SLC tribune](http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile2/55032786-218/secret-service-security-romney.html.csp) which suggests it is something of an issue. Unsurprisingly, the Secret Service won’t comment, but it seems Romney will either need to find some LDS agents (I can’t imagine it would be that hard, if there aren’t enough in the current Secret Service, I’d think they could find someone in the military, Capitol police, FBI, ATF or something with similar training and offer them a pay-bump to transfer) or go Templeless until they can find someone. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/5 "2012-10-09T20:38:40Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > …but it seems Romney will either need to find some LDS agents (I can’t imagine it would be that hard, if there aren’t enough in the current Secret Service, I’d think they could find someone in the military, Capitol police, FBI, ATF or something with similar training and offer them a pay-bump to transfer) … This seems to be getting very very close to religious discrimination, if it is not already such. Secret Service agents are merit civil service workers, aren’t they? You’re turning it into a spoils system where the POTUS can make a temple recommend a job requirement. Even if you don’t offer additional pay, you’re making LDS agents more valuable and thus less likely to be given the axe next time layoffs come around. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/6 "2012-10-09T20:42:38Z")
I don’t know about the Secret Service, but I heard on the radio that there are a lot of [Mormons in the CIA](http://www.businessinsider.com/11-surprising-things-you-didnt-know-about-mormons-2011-6?op=1). Not due to any whacky conspiracy thing, but because they make good employees. Lots of foreign language skills, experience of living abroad and they are less susceptible to the normal weaknesses of sex drugs and beer. ---
**Author:** ![Clark\_Cello](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58f4c7/32.png) [@Clark\_Cello](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clark_Cello)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/7 "2012-10-09T20:55:47Z")
It won’t be a problem. If he wants to go, there are plenty of Mormons in the Secret Service. Also, for those who don’t know, Mormon temple attendance is not normally a weekly thing. Given his schedule, I would guess he would go a few times a year at most. It wouldn’t shock me if he never went while president. ---
**Author:** ![kurtisokc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbce88/32.png) [@kurtisokc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kurtisokc)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/8 "2012-10-09T23:53:33Z")
Its not like the President is obligated to accept secret service protection all the time. If the President insists on going into the temple without protection the Secret Service can VERY strongly recommend otherwise, but if push comes to shove they ultimately have to yeild to the President’s wishes. As a practical matter, I don’t think it would be an issue. My WAG is that some sort of accomocation would be made, either by letting the President be accompianied by Mormon Secret Service agents (something tells me they wouldn’t be that hard to find) or possibly by closing the temple to everyone but the President and a few pre-cleared individuals on the temple staff. Anyway, my knowledge of Mormanism is pretty sketcy but I don’t think temple rituals are something most Morman’s partake in very regularly anyway. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/9 "2012-10-10T00:07:16Z")
I’ve also heard on good authority that there are lots of Mormons in the CIA. They generally have an easy time passing through security clearance, and if they went on a mission they may come in with good languages. ---
**Author:** ![dstarfire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dstarfire/32/5762_2.png) [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/10 "2012-10-10T00:41:00Z")
I can’t imagine the public (even hardcore conservatives) would react well to the president attending secret religious ceremonies. Smacks of that whole freemason/illuminati/etc. conspiracy nut stuff. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/11 "2012-10-10T03:46:24Z")
> [@kurtisokc](#): > > Its not like the President is obligated to accept secret service protection all the time. If the President insists on going into the temple without protection the Secret Service can VERY strongly recommend otherwise, but if push comes to shove they ultimately have to yeild to the President’s wishes. > … What about the Nulcear Football? How far is the president allowed to get from the military officer carrying it? At least with military personel their religious affiliation is already on file, though I’m not sure if it can legally be used for determining duty assignments beyond assisting chaplains. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/12 "2012-10-10T04:02:25Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > What about the Nulcear Football? How far is the president allowed to get from the military officer carrying it? At least with military personel their religious affiliation is already on file, though I’m not sure if it can legally be used for determining duty assignments beyond assisting chaplains. As far as he wants. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/13 "2012-10-10T04:20:49Z")
Outside of someplace like Provo, aren’t there going to be non-recommended people traipsing in and out fairly regularly? There are inspectors and electricians and plumbers and EMTs that are going to need to come in. Would they even need to stretch the rules to admit the Secret Service agents? ---
**Author:** ![coremelt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/14 "2012-10-10T04:25:43Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > Outside of someplace like Provo, aren’t there going to be non-recommended people traipsing in and out fairly regularly? Wiki claims: Emergency access Those without recommends occasionally need to enter temples after dedication during fires, medical emergencies, or building inspections. They are escorted by temple personnel during such visits. > **[Temple (LDS Church) | Types of recommends](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_(LDS_Church)#Types_of_recommends)** > > The standard temple recommend authorizes a member who has been baptized at least one year prior to take part in all temple ordinances and is valid for two years. > A recommend for living ordinances is given to individuals who are participating in the endowment for the first time, being sealed to a spouse, or anyone being married in the temple for time only. It may only be used in conjunction with a standard temple recommend. > A limited-use recommend is available to members who have not yet receive... The issue is going to be that those people are there when there is no ceremony in process, non-mormons aren’t supposed to witness the secret ceremonies. Would be pretty hard for the Secret Service agents to do their jobs without witnessing the ceremony if the POTUS was taking part. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/15 "2012-10-10T04:31:31Z")
> [@dstarfire](#): > > I can’t imagine the public (even hardcore conservatives) would react well to the president attending secret religious ceremonies. Smacks of that whole freemason/illuminati/etc. conspiracy nut stuff. You know, that’s one reason it might be good for Romney to be President, so those who react like that can have a collective hissy-fit when the man deigns to practice his religion. Besides Romney and Kennedy, were there any other presidents or presidential nominees who the “general public” didn’t “react well” to the idea of said prez/noms practicing their religion? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/16 "2012-10-10T04:33:44Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Besides Romney and Kennedy, were there any other presidents or presidential nominees who the “general public” didn’t “react well” to the idea of said prez/noms practicing their religion? Plenty of them are damn sure Obama is a Muslim. They don’t think that because they like the idea of a Muslim president. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/17 "2012-10-10T04:39:06Z")
:Sigh: I forgot about the fucktards who still believe that Obama is Muslim. Heck, I hope the next ten Presidents are not Protestant Christians! ---
**Author:** ![JLRogers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@JLRogers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JLRogers)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/18 "2012-10-10T04:44:40Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > :Sigh: I forgot about the fucktards who still believe that Obama is Muslim. Heck, I hope the next ten Presidents are not Protestant Christians! So you’ll be voting for Romney then? ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/19 "2012-10-10T04:50:23Z")
It’s nobody’s busines who I’ll be voting for. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249/20 "2012-10-10T06:20:55Z")
The Mormon temple service is one of the [worst kept secrets](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg2bxBHbsIU). It’s not like the Secret Service has no way of googling exactly what goes on in there. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-secret-service-agents/637249.md?page=2)