1 post tagged “family”

In 1995, Gordon Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sought to bring clarity to many of the questions at stake in modern debate. (And what's the role of a prophet if not to provide the long-range view on these kinds of matters!)

Over the years I have loved the simplicity and clarity of the language that outlines the fundamental organizing principles for a healthy society. I remember thinking how timely the announcement was in 1995 but it seems all the more timely given recent legislation in Massachusetts, Canada parts of Europe and in California.

This is a defining moment and here is what I believe a modern Prophet has to say on the matter.

1- 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.

2- Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

3- 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.

4- 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.

5- 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.

The full text is here: http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html