The Family: A Proclamation to the World

To read the entire text of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," follow this link. This post contains excerpts from this divinely inspired document from living prophets and apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ's church.

"...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."

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

"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."

"Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children."

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