The Family: A Proclamation To The World

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Verse 1

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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.

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Verse 2a

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All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God.

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Verse 2b

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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.

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Verse 3a

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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.

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Verse 3b

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The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.

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Verse 3c

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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.

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Verse 4a

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The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife.

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Verse 4b

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We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.

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Verse 4c

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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.

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Verse 5a

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We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed.

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Verse 5b

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We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

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Verse 6a

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Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.

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Verse 6b

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“Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3).

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Verse 6c

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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.

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Verse 6d

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Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

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Verse 7a

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The family is ordained of God.

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Verse 7b

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Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.

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Verse 7c

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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.

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Verse 7d

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Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Verse 7e

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Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

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Verse 7f

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. 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.

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Verse 7g

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Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.

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Verse 7h

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In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.

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Verse 7i

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Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation.

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Verse 7j

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Extended families should lend support when needed.

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Verse 8a

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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.

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Verse 8b

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Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

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Verse 9

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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.

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Reference

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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.

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Title

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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