The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The Family: A Proclamation to the World was issued by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1995. The proclamation was first read by church President Gordon B. Hinckley[?] at the worldwide General Relief Society[?] Meeting on September 23, 1995. The proclamation reiterated the church's beliefs on families--their significance and the accompanying responsibilities.

The proclamation may be divided into three sections. Here are the sections, each with a list of key points:

Declarations

• All human beings are created in God's image.
• Gender is an essential part of human identity, before, during, and after life on Earth.
• "In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan..."
• "Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."

Admonitions

• Sex is sacred and must only take place between a married man and woman.
• Parents have a serious responsibility "to love and care for each other and for their children"
• Happiness and success come through following the teachings of Jesus Christ and through "faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."
• "...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."
• "...fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

Warnings

• Those who commit adultery or "abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God."
• Disintegration of the family will bring "calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets".

Links: Text of the Proclamation (http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00)