The Family: A Proclamation to the World (PDF)

The “Family: A Proclamation to the World” is readily available as a PDF
document. This allows for easy access, download, and sharing of the
important doctrines and principles outlined within the proclamation. The PDF
format ensures consistent formatting across various devices and platforms.

Overview of the Proclamation

The “Family: A Proclamation to the World” is a declaration issued by The First
Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. This proclamation reaffirms doctrines and
practices related to the family that prophets have consistently taught
throughout the Church’s history. It emphasizes the importance of the family
unit and its central role in God’s eternal plan. The document serves as a
guide for strengthening families and promoting responsible citizenship. It
highlights principles vital to the happiness and well-being of individuals
and families everywhere.

Key Principles Declared

The Proclamation outlines fundamental principles, emphasizing the divine
institution of marriage between a man and a woman. It highlights the family’s
central role in God’s plan and the responsibilities of parents in rearing
children.

Marriage Between Man and Woman

The Proclamation unequivocally declares that marriage between a man and a woman
is ordained of God. This principle is presented as a foundational element in
God’s eternal plan for His children. The document emphasizes the importance
of this sacred union in fostering love, companionship, and the continuation
of the family unit. It is a vital doctrine that underpins the teachings of
the Church regarding family and morality. The Proclamation reaffirms the
traditional definition of marriage as essential for societal stability.

Centrality of Family

The Proclamation emphasizes the crucial role of the family within God’s eternal
plan. It declares that the family is central to humanity’s destiny. This
highlights the family as the fundamental unit of society. The document
teaches that strong families are essential for the well-being of individuals,
communities, and nations. The Proclamation underscores the importance of
nurturing family relationships and creating a home environment of love,
respect, and support. It’s a doctrine of building a strong foundation for
future generations and is highlighted throughout the document.

Responsibilities of Parents

The “Family: A Proclamation to the World” clearly defines the responsibilities
of parents in nurturing and raising their children. Parents have a sacred duty
to rear their children in love and righteousness. They must provide for their
physical and spiritual needs. Fathers and mothers are responsible to teach
their children to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of
God, and be law-abiding citizens. Parents are accountable before God for
fulfilling these responsibilities to their children in a loving and faithful
manner, raising them to be good people.

Historical Context of the Proclamation

The Proclamation emerged amidst societal shifts impacting family values.
Church leaders recognized a need to reinforce the doctrine of the family.
This document provided clarity and direction during changing times.

Issuance by Church Leaders

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints jointly issued “The Family: A Proclamation
to the World.” This collaborative effort by the Church’s highest governing
bodies underscores the document’s significance and doctrinal weight. Their
combined wisdom and spiritual insight guided the creation and release of this
proclamation. It was intended as a beacon of truth for families worldwide,
offering guidance and reaffirming fundamental principles.

Date and Setting of the Proclamation

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” was presented on September 23,
1995. The setting for this momentous occasion was the General Relief Society
Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. President Gordon B. Hinckley read the
proclamation as part of his message during the meeting. This location and
context further emphasize the document’s importance within the Church’s
teachings. This setting provided a global platform for the proclamation’s
principles to be shared and disseminated worldwide, influencing countless
families.

Impact and Significance

The Proclamation carries immense significance, reaffirming doctrines related to
family, marriage, and parental roles. It serves as both a declaration of
eternal truths and a call to action for individuals and societies worldwide.

Reaffirmation of Doctrine

The Proclamation serves as a powerful reaffirmation of core doctrines and
principles that have been consistently taught by prophets throughout history.
It reiterates the divine nature of marriage between a man and a woman, the
central role of family in God’s eternal plan, and the sacred responsibilities
of parents to nurture and protect their children. By reaffirming these
fundamental truths, the Proclamation provides a clear and unwavering
foundation for individuals and families to build upon.

Call to Action

Beyond reaffirming doctrine, the Proclamation acts as a call to action, urging
individuals, families, and communities to actively strengthen the family unit.
It encourages responsible citizenship and calls upon government officers to
promote measures that support and maintain the family as the fundamental
unit of society. This call emphasizes the importance of living by the
principles outlined in the Proclamation and actively working to create a
society where families can thrive and fulfill their divine purpose.

Warnings and Admonitions

The Proclamation includes warnings about the consequences of the family’s
disintegration. It suggests calamities will befall individuals, communities,
and nations if the family unit is not strengthened and upheld.

Disintegration of the Family

The proclamation warns that the disintegration of the family will bring calamities upon individuals, communities, and nations as foretold by ancient and modern prophets. Neglecting family responsibilities could lead to negative consequences. The document emphasizes the importance of maintaining and strengthening the family unit as the fundamental component of society. Responsible citizens and government officials are urged to support measures designed to preserve the family; This warning underscores the critical role the family plays in societal well-being and stability.

Accountability Before God

The proclamation emphasizes that parents, specifically husbands and wives, mothers, and fathers, will one day stand accountable before God for their family responsibilities. This accountability underscores the sacred nature of family roles and the importance of fulfilling them with diligence and love. Individuals are expected to honor marital vows with complete fidelity and to rear their children in righteousness. This principle highlights the eternal consequences of choices made within the family context and the divine responsibility entrusted to parents.

Study Aids and Resources

To deepen understanding of the Proclamation, various study aids exist. These
include scriptural cross-references, footnotes, and resources designed to
match the layout of scriptures. These materials enhance personal study.

Scriptural Cross-References

The “Family: A Proclamation to the World” is enriched by numerous scriptural
cross-references. These references connect the principles outlined in the
proclamation to foundational teachings found within the scriptures. These
scriptural links provide a deeper understanding of the divine origins. Examining
these supporting verses illuminates the eternal nature of family and marriage as
ordained by God. Studying these scriptures alongside the Proclamation offers
valuable context and reinforces its doctrinal significance.

Availability in PDF Format

The “Family: A Proclamation to the World” is conveniently available in PDF
format. This digital format allows for easy distribution and accessibility on
various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. The PDF
version ensures that the document’s formatting remains consistent, regardless
of the viewing platform. Individuals can readily download and print the
proclamation for personal study or sharing with others. The widespread
availability in PDF format facilitates broad dissemination of its important
teachings.

Relevance to Modern Society

The Proclamation’s emphasis on traditional family values, parental
responsibilities, and the importance of marriage provides timeless guidance.
These principles are increasingly relevant in addressing contemporary
challenges facing families worldwide and promoting societal stability.

Strengthening the Family Unit

The “Family: A Proclamation to the World” serves as a guide for reinforcing
family bonds through love, respect, and shared responsibility. By adhering to

the principles outlined, families can create a nurturing environment for
children and foster stronger relationships between spouses. The document
highlights the importance of fathers and mothers working together in unity to
raise children in righteousness. It also encourages families to engage in
activities that promote togetherness and strengthen their connection to God.

Promoting Responsible Citizenship

The principles in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” extend beyond the
home, encouraging responsible conduct in society. Individuals who uphold
family values are more likely to be honest, compassionate, and engaged
citizens. By strengthening families, society benefits from increased stability,
reduced crime rates, and a greater sense of community. The proclamation
emphasizes the importance of respecting laws, contributing to the common
good, and promoting moral values in public life. Strong families create a
foundation for a strong and virtuous society.

Eternal Perspective

The proclamation emphasizes that family relationships can extend beyond mortality.
Sacred ordinances and covenants in temples enable these eternal connections.
This eternal perspective provides hope and purpose, strengthening family bonds.

Perpetuation of Family Relationships

The divine plan of happiness makes it possible for family relationships to
continue beyond this life. This concept is central to understanding the
eternal significance of marriage and family. Sacred ordinances performed in
temples create eternal bonds, allowing families to be together forever. These
ordinances, such as sealing, ensure that family relationships are not
terminated at death. This eternal perspective provides comfort and hope,
inspiring individuals to prioritize their families and strive for eternal
togetherness. The proclamation underscores the importance of these sacred
opportunities.

Sacred Ordinances and Covenants

Sacred ordinances and covenants available within holy temples play a crucial
role in the eternal plan of happiness. These ordinances, such as temple
marriage or sealing, are essential for perpetuating family relationships
beyond mortality. Covenants made with God in the temple strengthen individuals
and families, providing divine guidance and support. These sacred acts bind
families together for eternity, ensuring the continuation of love and
companionship. By participating in temple ordinances, individuals demonstrate
their commitment to God’s plan and their desire for eternal family unity, as
emphasized in the proclamation.