Proclamation on the Family

This study guide was written by a stake in Spokane, Washington.  It is designed to help families study families and their purposes using the proclamation from the First Presidency on families. 

Study Guide for the Proclamation on the Family

"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 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 the individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."

"In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped 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 hold temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."

 During the upcoming year we, as a Stake Presidency, invite your family to study the principles outlined in the above portion of the Proclamation to the World on the Family, by the First  Presidency.  Teaching and understanding these principles are essential in cultivation a relationship with our Father in Heaven and as families.

We have provided scriptural references, articles, and Family Home Evening ideas to help.  We invite you to prayerfully teach these principles.

JANUARY

We are sons and daughters of God-gender is an essential characteristic.

1. "The Light Within You" Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign May 1995, p.99
2. John 7:16-17.  How can we best cultivate a knowledge of God?
3. Psalms 82:6 & Romans 8:16-17  The Spirit witnesses that we are the children of God and as a result, are heirs of God.
4. Have you felt this witness in your life?  What evidences do we have that this is true?
5. Heb 12:9 How can we better allow our subjection to the Father of our spirits?
6. What is the consequence of this subjection?
7. D&C 76:23-24 Joseph Smith's vision teaches of our relationship with God.
8. "I Am A Child Of God" FHE Resource Book  lesson #5
9. We are the Spirit Children of God.  Teachings of Presidents of the Church Brigham Young p.50.

 FEBRUARY

We had a premortal relationship with our Rather in Heaven and accepted His plan of Salvation.

1. Moses 1:39 How important are we to our Heavenly Father?  What constitutes his work and his glory?
2. Abraham 3:22-28 What does this scripture teach us about the purpose of this life and of our performance in the premortal existence?
3. Moses 4:1-4. 2Nephi 2:26-28.  Teach the importance of agency and the responsibility, blessings and condemnation that are derived.
4. Alma 42:1-4, 34:32-34. What two attitudes must we cultivate during this life?
5. What do these two passages teach of service?  How can we help advance the work of the Father?
6. "We Can Choose" FHE Resource Book  lesson #8
7. "Heavenly Father Provided us a Savior" FHE Resource Book  lesson #9
8. "The Plan of Salvation" Teachings of the Presidents of the Church Brigham Young p. 49-54.

MARCH

The divine plan enables families to be together forever.

1. Moses 2:27-28, 3:21-24, D&C 49:15-16  Teach that God created man and woman, and commanded them to have children and ordained marriage.
2. D&C 132:15-21 Teach the doctrine of eternal marriage.
3. D&C 128:17-18  What is the "welding link between fathers and children?
4. Temple Ordinances." Teachings of Presidents of the Church Brigham Young, p.302-303.
5. "The Eternal Family" Robert D Hales, Ensign Nov. 1996
6. "Children of the Covenant" Russell M Nelson, Ensign May 1996 p.32
 
 

"We the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that...Husbands and wives have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.  "Children are a 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.
"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."

 APRIL

The Lord's moral law consists of chastity before marriage and complete fidelity within marriage.

1. "For The Strength of Youth", p 10, 11,14—How do our thoughts affect our actions?  How does what we watch and listen to affect our thoughts?
2. Jacob 2:7&8
3. Alma 39:1-6  How do our actions inhibit our enhance building up the Kingdom of God?
4. Family Home Evening Resource Manual, Chastity p 177-178
5. Gospel Principles Manual, The Law of Chastity p 237-244
6. Stake Presidency Missionary pamphlet.  What moral standards must guide our actions in order to be worthy to be called on a full time mission?

MAY

Fathers and mothers have divine roles within the family.

1. D&C 75:28, D&C 83:2  What is every man obliged to do?
2. D&C 93:40-50, D&C 68:25-28, Mosiah 4:14-15  What do these scriptures teach us about the roles of fathers and mothers?
3. Family Home Evening Resource Book, A House of Order, Lesson 20 p89.
4. What does it mean to preside?  What is the patriarchal order?  How can family councils help strengthen families?
5. "Women of the Church", Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign Nov. 96, p68
6. "Creating Places of Security", Virginia U Jensen, Ensign Nov. 97, p89
7. What is the significance of being a mother in Zion at this time in the earth?
8. What is a mother's role in creating a safe haven?
9. Teachings of Presidents of the Church Brigham Young p167, Eph 6:1-3.
10. What are children's and sibling's responsibilities to their parents?

JUNE

The Savior's atonement, predicated on repentance, will allow us to come back into God's presence.  (John 3:16, D&C 19:16)

1. Family Home Evening Resource Book, Jesus Made Repentance Possible, Lesson 10, p39.  Explain what the atonement encompasses.  Why is it infinite?  Why could only Christ make it possible?
2. Alma 42; Alma 12:32-36.  What do mercy and justice have to do with the atonement?  Can mercy rob justice?  How can mercy satisfy justice?
3. 1Nephi 15:33-35; Alma 12:10-16; Alma 34:32-39  What are the consequences when sin invades our lives?
4. D&C 58:43; Alma 36:5-24  For The Strength of Youth p17-18.  What do these scriptures teach about the steps that must be taken to repent?
5. Applying the Atoning Blood of Christ, Elder Neal A Maxwell, Ensign Nov 97, p22

 "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 eternal destiny of His children..."

"The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained too their  potential for parenthood as husband and wife.  We declare that God's  commandment to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.  We  further declare that the 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 to sanctity of life and of its importance in God's  eternal plan."

"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 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."

JULY

The first commandment given to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential  for parenthood as husband and wife.

1. Genesis 1:26-28, Moses 2:26-28, Moses 5:1-3
2. Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry, Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign  May 1998, p26.
3. Covenant Marriage, Bruce C Hafen, Ensign Nov 1996, p 26
4. Children, FHE Resource Book, p 134
5. Same Gender Attraction, Dallen H Oaks, Ensign Oct 1995, p7

AUGUST

God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed  only between man and woman, lawfully wedded.

1. Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 20:10, Matthew 5:27-28, D&C 42:24
2. Teach the letter as well as the spirit of the Law of Chastity.
3. Genesis 39:1-18
4. Retail the story of Joseph and Potaphar's wife.  Emphasize the principle  taught in 1Corinthians 10:13.
5. Alma 39:1-14.  Who does the Lord view sexual sin?  What obligation do we  have to teach our children this law?  How do our actions in regard to this  principle affect our reputation and that of our family or our church?
6. Chastity  p 177 Lesson 1, or Lesson 2 FHE Resource Book.

SEPTEMBER

We affirm the sanctity of life and its importance to God's eternal plan.

1. D&C 59:6.  What does the statement, "or anything like unto it" mean?  How  does this relate to the sin of abortion?
2. Exodus 21:22.  What do these scriptures suggest will happen to those who  shed innocent blood?
3. Reverence for Live, Russell M Nelson, Ensign May 1985, p11

"We the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles, of the  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim [that] the  family is ordained of God.  Marriage between a man and a 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.

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse  spouse or offspring, 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."

OCTOBER

The principles of faith, prayer, repentance, and forgiveness constitute  attributes of godliness.

1. Alma 32.  How do we develop faith?  What are some of the prerequisite  attitudes to developing faith?  See also Moroni 7:43.  On what should our  faith be centered?  Article of Faith #4.
2. How do we have effective prayers?  What attitudes add power to our prayers?
3. When and for what should we pray?  Mark 11:24-25, 1Cor 14:15, James 1:6,  Alma 17:3, 2Nephi 32:9, Alma 34: 17-27, D&C 10:5.
4. Why is forgiveness essential for our families?  What is the Lord's  direction to us about forgiveness?  D&C 64:8-10, D&C 98:38-40.  What is our  promise from the Lord if we will forgive?  D&C 82:1, 3Nephi 13:14.

NOVEMBER

The principles of respect, love, charity and work constitute attributes of  godliness.

1. How powerful are love, compassion and charity?  How needed are they in our  family?  1Cor 13:1-8, Moroni 7:44-48, 2Nephi 31:20.  How can we attain this  love?  Alma 13:28, Mosiah 3:19, Moroni 7:48.
2. Moses 1:39, Who was first to set forth the importance of the principle of  work?  What action words are used to describe the process of creation?   Genesis 2:1-3.
3. Genesis 3:17-19, What does this scripture teach us about the fall and about  work?
4. D&C 18-38, By what shall we be known?

DECEMBER

Each of us should have a goal to have a celestial marriage and to extend  this blessing to our loved ones who have passed on.

1. What is the significance of a temple marriage?  D&C 132:15-21, D&C  49:15-16.
2. Who was Elijah?  What is the significance of his mission?  Malachi 4:5-6,  D&C 110:13-16, J.S. 1:38-45.
3. What were the promises made to the fathers?  Abraham 2:8-11, D&C 84:19-21.
4. What efforts are being made now in the spirit world with our forebears?   D&C 138.
5. Review your four generations work sheet.  Have all family members had  temple ordinances completed?

Contributed by Shiela Lee Brandon

Credits:  http://www.geocities.com/perudol1/edu5.htm

Additional Resources:

Four Simple Things to Help Our Families and Our Nations by Gordon B. Hinckley.  From a 5 March 1994 address given to the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Brigham Young University Management Society.

Suggested Family Activities from the Church website

Building a Strong Family -- online resources

Book:  Strengthening Our Families: An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family. Edited by David C. Dollahite.  Hardbound - 432 pages, ISBN: 1573458244.