WEWARNthat 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 CALLupon responsible citizens and officers of
government everywhere to promote those measures
designed to maintain and strengthen the family as
the fundamental unit of society.
SELECTED TEACHINGS
President Gordon B. Hinckley
“I salute fathers and mothers who are loyal to one
another and who nurture their children in faith and
love. There has been a wonderful response to the
proclamation on the family, which we issued last
October.... We hope you will read it and reread it”
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 90; or Ensign,
May 1996, 66).
Elder M. Russell Ballard
“The recent proclamation to the world on the family,
issued by the First Presidency and the Quorum of
the Twelve Apostles, makes very clear that the family
is ordained of God. The proclamation warns that
thedisintegration of the family will bring upon
individuals, communities, and nations the calamities
foretold by ancient and modern prophets” (in
Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 112; or Ensign,May
1996, 81).
Elder Richard G. Scott
“Learn the doctrinal foundation of the great plan of
happiness by studying the scriptures, pondering their
content, and praying to understand them. Carefully
study and use the proclamation of the First
Presidency and the Twelve on the family.... It was
inspired of the Lord” (in Conference Report, Oct.
1996, 103; or Ensign,Nov. 1996, 75).
Elder Merrill J. Bateman
“The proclamation teaches that ‘successful marriages
and families are established and maintained on
principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness,
respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome
recreational activities.’ In other words, the Lord
measures the success of a family by the quality of
its relationships. In a home where faith, love, and
forgiveness are dominant, members find joy and
satisfaction in being together. Ideally the father
presides in love and righteousness, provides the
necessities of life, and protects the family while the
mother is primarily responsible for the nurturing of
the children. In contrast, the world often measures
family success by the accumulation of worldly things
and the size of the estate that is passed on to the
children” (“The Eternal Family,” 115).Principle of Faith
Matthew 9:29
“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to
your faith be it unto you.”2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.”1 Nephi 3:7
“I will go and do the things which the Lord hath
commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no
commandments unto the children of men, save
he shall prepare a way for them that they may
accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”Doctrine and Covenants 76:53
“And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the
Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth
upon all those who are just and true.”President Joseph Fielding Smith
“When a man and a woman, in all sincerity, enter
into a covenant of marriage for time and all eternity
(and after they have ‘overcome by faith,’ and are
‘just and true’ [D&C 76:53]), the Holy Ghost—who
is the Spirit of promise—bears record of or ratifies
that sealing. In other words, he seals the promises
appertaining to the marriage covenant upon them”
(Doctrines of Salvation,2:98).President Harold B. Lee
“Faith, not doubt, is the beginning of all learning,
whether in science or religion.... It is faith that
seeks for spiritual knowledge and power by studying84 THEFAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THEWORLD