The following is excerpted from the Church News. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
Concluding the General Relief Society Meeting on Sept. 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley looked into the eyes of women young and old, married and single, with and without children — “some whose burdens are so very heavy” — and thanked them for their resolution to do what is right.
In a world of turmoil, deception and shifting values, “we have felt to warn and forewarn,” he said.
The late 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proceeded to introduce a proclamation declaring and reaffirming the Church’s standards, doctrines and practices relative to the family: “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” issued by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles.
After reading aloud the proclamation, President Hinckley emphatically stated, “We commend to all a careful, thoughtful and prayerful reading of this proclamation. The strength of any nation is rooted within the walls of its homes. We urge our people everywhere to strengthen their families in conformity with these time-honored values.”
The family proclamation articulates the divine purpose of families in the plan of happiness. It makes clear that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and that all human beings are beloved spirit sons or daughters of Heavenly Parents. It teaches sacred responsibilities of spouses and parents and the principles of successful marriage and family life.
Since President Hinckley issued the family proclamation 25 years ago, its teachings have been widely referenced by Church leaders in meeting with Latter-day Saints and in interfaith settings. Its principles have shaped research and curriculum on the family at Brigham Young University. The proclamation hangs on the wall in countless members’ homes and is shared by missionaries around the world.
Why is the proclamation so significant?
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