The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World is a declaration by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the divine nature and purpose of marriage and family. It affirms the sanctity of life, the roles and responsibilities of husbands, wives, and parents, and the eternal consequences of family relationships.
Introduction
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World is a landmark document issued by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 23, 1995. This proclamation, often referred to simply as “the Family Proclamation,” stands as a powerful declaration of fundamental truths regarding the divine institution of family and its central role in God’s plan for His children. It addresses the sanctity of life, the roles and responsibilities of husbands, wives, and parents, and the eternal consequences of family relationships, emphasizing the importance of faith, love, and righteousness in building strong, enduring families.
The Family Proclamation was first read by President Gordon B. Hinckley during the General Relief Society Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. It quickly gained widespread recognition and has since been translated into numerous languages, serving as a guiding beacon for Latter-day Saints and others around the world seeking to understand and strengthen their families. The proclamation’s timeless principles continue to resonate with individuals and families, offering a framework for navigating the complexities of modern life and fostering unity and purpose in the face of ever-changing societal norms.
Key Principles of the Proclamation
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World outlines nine key principles that form the foundation of strong, gospel-centered families. These principles, interwoven throughout the proclamation, provide a comprehensive framework for building and maintaining enduring family relationships.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of family life, promoting prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and a commitment to living righteous principles. It underscores the sacred nature of marriage between a man and a woman as ordained by God, emphasizing the essential roles of husband and wife as partners in creating a loving, supportive environment for their children.
The proclamation recognizes the divine potential of children, emphasizing their inherent worth as sons and daughters of God. It calls upon parents to rear their children in love and righteousness, providing for their physical and spiritual needs, and instilling in them a love for the Lord and a strong moral compass.
Finally, the proclamation stresses the importance of compassion, work, and wholesome recreation in building strong families. It highlights the need for families to prioritize service to others, foster a strong work ethic, and engage in activities that promote togetherness and joy.
Marriage and Family as Ordained by God
At the heart of The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World lies the fundamental principle that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. This proclamation unequivocally affirms the divine origin and purpose of marriage as a sacred covenant, central to God’s plan for the eternal progression of His children.
The proclamation asserts that marriage is not merely a social construct but a divinely instituted union, designed to provide the framework for the creation of eternal families. It emphasizes the importance of this union as a foundation for the rearing of children, the fulfillment of God’s commandment to multiply and replenish the earth, and the development of divine attributes within each individual.
The proclamation also underscores the eternal nature of family relationships, recognizing that families can be bound together forever through sacred ordinances and covenants made in holy temples. It affirms the belief that families can continue to grow and evolve throughout eternity, forming a lasting and loving bond that transcends the boundaries of mortality.
The Roles of Husbands and Wives
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World outlines the distinct yet complementary roles of husbands and wives within the framework of a divinely ordained marriage. It emphasizes that husbands and wives are equal partners in the marriage relationship, sharing responsibilities and working together to create a harmonious and loving home.
The proclamation highlights the essential role of the husband as the head of the family, providing for the physical and spiritual well-being of his wife and children. He is expected to lead with love, compassion, and righteousness, providing guidance and direction for his family. The wife, in turn, is described as the heart of the home, nurturing her husband and children with love, care, and support. She is responsible for creating a nurturing and loving environment where family members can thrive.
The proclamation underscores the importance of mutual respect, love, and understanding between husbands and wives. It emphasizes that they are to work together as partners, sharing responsibilities and supporting each other in their roles. By fulfilling their divinely appointed roles, husbands and wives create a strong and enduring foundation for a happy and successful family.
The Importance of Children
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World emphasizes the sacred role of children in God’s eternal plan. It declares that children are “an heritage of the Lord” and that they are to be cherished and nurtured as precious gifts. The proclamation recognizes the profound impact that children have on the family and society, shaping the future generations and carrying forward the legacy of faith and righteousness.
Children are seen as a source of joy, love, and hope. They bring a unique perspective and energy to the family, enriching the lives of their parents and siblings. The proclamation encourages parents to create a loving and supportive environment where children can develop their potential, both spiritually and temporally. It calls for parents to teach their children the principles of the gospel, instilling in them a strong foundation of faith, morality, and service.
The proclamation also highlights the importance of children in the continuity of family relationships. It affirms that families can be united eternally through sacred ordinances and covenants, ensuring that the bonds of love and kinship extend beyond this mortal life. By valuing and nurturing their children, parents play a vital role in building strong families that will endure for generations to come.
The Responsibilities of Parents
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World places significant emphasis on the responsibilities of parents in nurturing and guiding their children. It affirms that parents have a “sacred duty” to rear their children “in love and righteousness,” providing for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This responsibility encompasses a wide range of aspects, from providing basic necessities to instilling moral values and fostering spiritual growth.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of love and righteousness as the foundation of parental guidance. Parents are encouraged to create a loving and supportive home environment where children feel cherished and valued. They are also called upon to teach their children the principles of the gospel, helping them develop a strong moral compass and a commitment to living righteous lives. This includes teaching them about God’s plan for their eternal happiness, the importance of prayer and scripture study, and the need to follow Christ’s teachings.
The proclamation also stresses the importance of providing for the physical needs of children. This includes providing them with food, clothing, shelter, and education. Parents are also expected to create opportunities for their children to develop their talents and interests, fostering their growth and potential. By fulfilling their responsibilities as parents, individuals contribute to the strength and well-being of families and society as a whole.
The Sanctity of Life
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World unequivocally affirms the sanctity of life, recognizing it as a fundamental principle ordained by God. This proclamation underscores the inherent value and sacredness of all human beings, from the moment of conception to their eternal destiny. It emphasizes that life is a precious gift from God, and that every individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
The proclamation condemns any action that violates the sanctity of life, including abortion and euthanasia. It emphasizes that these practices are contrary to God’s plan and violate the fundamental rights of human beings. It calls upon individuals to uphold the sacredness of life by protecting and caring for all members of the human family, regardless of their age, stage of development, or condition. This principle extends beyond the physical life and encompasses the spiritual and eternal dimensions of human existence.
The proclamation’s emphasis on the sanctity of life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing all human life. It encourages individuals to live in accordance with God’s will by valuing life in all its stages and advocating for policies that promote the well-being of every human being.
Eternal Consequences of Family Relationships
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World emphasizes the eternal nature of family relationships, extending beyond the mortal life and into the eternities. This proclamation asserts that the bonds forged within families are not merely temporary but have profound and lasting consequences. It teaches that our choices and actions in this life have eternal implications for our families, shaping our eternal destinies and influencing our relationships in the hereafter.
The proclamation highlights the importance of sacred ordinances, such as marriage and temple sealing, which bind families together for eternity. These ordinances, performed in holy temples, create eternal covenants that transcend the boundaries of time and mortality. Through these ordinances, families can be united not only in this life but also in the next, enjoying eternal progression and happiness together.
The proclamation underscores the responsibility we have to nurture strong and loving family relationships, recognizing that our choices have eternal ramifications. It encourages individuals to live worthy of eternal blessings and to strive for unity and harmony within their families, both in this life and in the eternities. By building strong family relationships based on love, compassion, and righteousness, we can prepare ourselves for the eternal blessings that await us.
The Proclamation’s Call to Action
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World concludes with a powerful call to action, urging individuals, families, and communities to actively promote and strengthen the family unit. It emphasizes the crucial role of families in society and calls upon responsible citizens and government officials to support policies that uphold and protect the family as the fundamental building block of a thriving society.
The proclamation encourages individuals to strive for personal righteousness and to create a home environment that fosters love, respect, and unity. It implores families to teach their children the principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and service, instilling in them a strong moral compass and a commitment to building strong family relationships.
The proclamation also calls upon governments and institutions to recognize the unique and irreplaceable role of families and to enact policies that support and protect the family structure. These policies should aim to promote marriage, encourage responsible parenting, and safeguard the rights of children and families. The proclamation underscores the importance of a united effort to strengthen families and create a society where families can thrive and flourish.
The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World stands as a timeless testament to the enduring importance of family in God’s eternal plan. It serves as a beacon of hope and guidance, reminding individuals and families of the profound impact they have on the world and the eternal consequences of their choices. The proclamation emphasizes the divine nature of marriage and family, the sacred roles of husbands, wives, and parents, and the essential principles that contribute to strong, happy families.
It’s a powerful call to action, encouraging individuals, families, and communities to actively promote and strengthen family relationships. The proclamation’s enduring relevance lies in its timeless principles and its unwavering emphasis on the importance of family as the foundation of society. It inspires individuals to strive for personal righteousness, create loving homes, and build strong, lasting family bonds. The Family⁚ A Proclamation to the World serves as a timeless guide for families seeking to live in accordance with God’s plan and build a legacy of faith, love, and happiness.
