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.
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.
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. 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.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve
pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife.
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 declare the means by which mortal life is created to be
divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its
importance in God's eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care
for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of
the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). 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. Husbands and wives--mothers and
fathers--will be held accountable before God for the discharge of
these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and
woman is essential to His eternal plan. 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.
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when
founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful
marriages and families are established and maintained on
principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love,
compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. 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. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate
individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when
needed.
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.
Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring
upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold
by ancient and modern prophets.
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.
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.