About the Proclamation
"IN EVER-WIDENING RIPPLES - LIKE THOSE THAT SILENTLY SPREAD AFTER A ROCK IS THROWN INTO A STILL POND - THE INFLUENCE OF THE PROCLAMATION WILL EXPAND IN EVERY DIRECTION, BLESSING INDIVIDUALS, MARRIAGES, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND NATIONS" (Newell, 2012).
Purpose of The Family: A Proclamation to the World
"People across the globe love their families, as we do. They worry about their children and care about the strength and well-being of their families, but some may have become confused about certain vital principles of happy family life. The proclamation speaks to the hearts and minds of our neighbors, friends, and those who care about the strength of the family as it declares the sacredness of family life and calls upon us to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society".
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, all of whom are prophets, seers, and revelators, first announced the proclamation on September 23, 1995. "As the name suggests, it is addressed to all the world: all nations, all faiths, all families. It continues to be a bulwark in defense of the family. The proclamation has served as a guide for individuals and families, a banner to communities and nations, and a doctrinal summary of the Church's emphasis on the family."
"The proclamation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. The real test of the proclamation's impact is how it clarifies our understanding and beliefs, how it changes our associations and interactions, and how it guides us to choices that strengthen our faith and our eternal relationships" (Newell, 2012).
"The plan of the Father is that family love and companionship will continue into the eternities. Being one in a family carries a great responsibility of caring, loving, lifting, and strengthening each member of the family so that all can righteously endure to the end in mortality and dwell together throughout eternity. It is not enough just to save ourselves. It is equally important that parents, brothers, and sisters are saved in our families. If we return home alone to our Heavenly Father, we will be asked, 'Where is the rest of the family?' This is why we teach that families are forever. The eternal nature of an individual becomes the eternal nature of the family" (Hales, 1996).
About the Author
Hi, my name is Cheryl Wood Mitchell.
I am a daughter, sister, wife, future mother, aunt, and friend. If I could give those I love just one gift, it would be happy relationships. My deep desire in creating this website it to teach and inspire others, so they can strengthen their marriages and families and live in love and happiness.
As I've studied The Family: A Proclamation to the World, I am amazed at how vital its teachings are for happiness today. It gives us the clarity we need to become good spouses and parents in a world of confusion and declining morals.
I wholeheartedly join with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as they extend this invitation: "We call on responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society" (The Church, 1995).
I hope you will benefit from and share what you learn here. May your marriage and family be filled with love and happiness by following the true teachings of the Proclamation.
Cheryl is a student at Brigham Young University-Idaho majoring in Marriage and Family Studies. Her goal is to be a Marriage and Family Life Educator.
References
Halels, Robert D. (1996). The Eternal Family. Ensign, Oct.
Newell, Lloyd D. (2012). The Proclamation: A Guide, a Banner, and a Doctrinal Summary of the Church's Emphasis on the Family. In A. Hawkins (Ed.), Successful marriages and
families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (p. 313-318). Provo, UT: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (1995). The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Ensign, November, 102.