The Family: A Proclamation to the World ⎼ Overview
The Proclamation on the Family, issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides a foundational overview of God’s eternal plan for families. It emphasizes the importance of marriage between a man and a woman and the central role of family in society.
Purpose of the Proclamation
The primary purpose of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is to declare and reaffirm the Church’s doctrine regarding the family. It serves as a guide for individuals and families, outlining the Lord’s plan for eternal happiness and the essential roles of family members. The proclamation also acts as a warning, highlighting the consequences of neglecting family responsibilities and the disintegration of the family unit. Ultimately, it calls upon all people to strengthen families and promote those measures that support their well-being and stability in society. The Proclamation offers clarity amidst societal confusion.
Key Principles and Doctrines
The Proclamation outlines core doctrines such as the divine nature of marriage, the importance of gender, and the roles of fathers and mothers. These principles form the foundation for strong, eternal families.
Marriage Between Man and Woman
The Proclamation clearly states that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. This union is central to His eternal plan for His children and is essential for raising children within the bonds of matrimony. God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife, to maintain the sanctity of life and its importance in God’s eternal plan. This principle underscores the importance of traditional marriage in God’s eyes.
Gender as an Essential Characteristic
The proclamation emphasizes that gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God, each with a divine nature and destiny. This declaration affirms the divine design of both men and women, highlighting their distinct roles and contributions to the family unit and society as a whole. This principle emphasizes that our gender is not merely a social construct but an intrinsic part of who we are.
Roles of Fathers and Mothers
The proclamation outlines the distinct yet complementary roles of fathers and mothers in nurturing and raising children. 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. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children, creating a loving and supportive environment. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners, emphasizing shared responsibility and mutual support within the family structure. Adaptation is needed in cases of disability or death.
The Divine Plan of Happiness
The Proclamation emphasizes that the divine plan enables family relationships to extend beyond mortality. Sacred ordinances and covenants in temples make eternal families possible, uniting individuals and families for eternity, according to God’s plan.
Premortal Existence and God’s Plan
The Proclamation teaches that in the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father. They accepted His plan, which allowed them to obtain physical bodies and gain earthly experience. This experience is essential for progression towards perfection and realizing their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. This divine plan of happiness is central to understanding God’s purpose for His children and the importance of family relationships. The plan is to experience life and return to God.
Eternal Families and Temple Ordinances
The divine plan of happiness extends beyond mortal life, enabling family relationships to continue eternally. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples are essential for this eternal continuation. These ordinances make it possible for individuals to return to God’s presence and for families to be united eternally. Temple marriage, in particular, seals families together, ensuring that the bonds created on earth can last forever, provided individuals remain faithful to their covenants. The Temple ordinances allow families to be together forever.
Responsibilities and Warnings
The Proclamation outlines key responsibilities within families, emphasizing the eternal consequences of choices. It warns against actions that undermine family unity and covenants, highlighting the importance of accountability before God.
Parental Duties to Children
The proclamation emphasizes the sacred duty of parents to rear their children in love and righteousness, attending to their physical and spiritual needs. Parents are instructed to teach their children to love and serve one another, to observe God’s commandments, and to become law-abiding citizens. Fathers and mothers are jointly accountable before God for fulfilling these essential obligations, nurturing their children within a framework of faith, respect, and compassion. This divine responsibility ensures children are raised with values that promote eternal happiness and societal well-being.
Consequences of Violating Covenants
The Proclamation sternly warns that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, engage in abuse towards a spouse or children, or neglect their family responsibilities will be held accountable before God. Furthermore, it cautions that the disintegration of the family unit will lead to calamities for individuals, communities, and nations, as foretold by ancient and modern prophets. Upholding family values and honoring sacred covenants are critical for personal and societal well-being, averting potential consequences resulting from neglecting these divinely ordained responsibilities. The warning serves as a call to strengthen and protect the family.
Call to Action
The Proclamation urges responsible citizens and government officials to champion initiatives that fortify the family as the cornerstone of society. By actively promoting family values, communities can foster stability and well-being.
Promoting Measures to Strengthen the Family
The Proclamation issues a powerful call for proactive measures to reinforce the family unit. This involves supporting policies and initiatives that prioritize family values, parental rights, and the well-being of children. Responsible citizenship entails advocating for environments where families can thrive, fostering love, respect, and commitment. Governments, communities, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate in creating a society that champions strong family bonds. Furthermore, promoting education and resources that empower families to overcome challenges and build resilience is essential. This united effort will safeguard the fundamental role of families.
Accessing the Proclamation
The Proclamation is readily accessible in various formats. It is available online as text and in printable PDF form. It can also be found in the Gospel Library app in the Family section for convenient access.
Availability in Text and PDF Formats
The complete text of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is widely available online, allowing for easy reading and study; For those who prefer a physical copy, a printable PDF version can be downloaded. This format is ideal for personal study, sharing with others, or including in study journals. The PDF retains the original formatting and presentation of the proclamation, ensuring an authentic experience. Accessing the proclamation in both text and PDF ensures it can be readily shared.
Gospel Library App Resource
The “Family: A Proclamation to the World” is conveniently accessible through the Gospel Library app. This digital resource allows users to easily access and study the proclamation on their mobile devices or tablets. The app provides options for highlighting, note-taking, and cross-referencing with related scriptures and talks. Users can also share sections of the proclamation with friends and family through the app’s sharing features. This makes it a valuable tool for both personal and family study, facilitating deeper understanding and application of the proclamation’s principles in daily life.
Historical Context
The Proclamation was presented by President Gordon B. Hinckley in 1995. It came at a time of changing societal views on family, reaffirming its importance in God’s plan and addressing modern challenges.
President Hinckley and the 1995 Announcement
President Gordon B. Hinckley introduced “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” during the General Relief Society Meeting on September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah. This significant announcement served as a declaration of principles and doctrines related to marriage, family, and gender roles, emphasizing their divine origin and importance in God’s eternal plan. The proclamation aimed to provide clarity and guidance amidst evolving societal norms and challenges facing families worldwide, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to strengthening and upholding the family unit. The timing was crucial, addressing concerns about family disintegration.