|
LDS Church
Related links of interest:
lds.org
mormon.org
scriptures.lds.org
familyforever.com
ldschurchtemples.com
familysearch.org
byuradio.org
chperiodicals.lds.org
 |
My Faith
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
 The First Presidency and Council of the
Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
We, the First Presidency and the Council of
the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of
God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal
destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each
is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such,
each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential
characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and
purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God
as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children
could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress
toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an
heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family
relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and
covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to
return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their
potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's
commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains
in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred
powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman,
lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely
appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's
eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each
other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms
127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love
and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to
teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of
God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and
wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the
discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is
essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the
bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor
marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most
likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained
on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love,
compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine
design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and
righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and
protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the
nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and
mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability,
death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation.
Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse
spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will
one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the
disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities,
and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere
to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family
as the fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of
his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23,
1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Check out the other related links at the side
or you may contact me directly at
kelly@paperclippings.com .
Order a
free copy of the Book of Mormon. There is no obligation.
|
