The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is a 1995 declaration by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It outlines the Church’s doctrinal views on marriage, gender, and family relationships, affirming the family’s divine origin and eternal significance in God’s plan.

Key Facts

• Issued: September 23, 1995
• Introduced by: President Gordon B. Hinckley
• Setting: General Relief Society Meeting, Salt Lake City
• Authors: The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
• Official proclamations to date: Six (1830–2020)

Origin and Context

Years of discussion among senior leaders in response to global shifts in family policy led to the document’s creation. Drafting began in 1994 under a committee that included Elders Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, and James E. Faust. President Hinckley publicly read it in 1995, emphasizing the need to “warn and forewarn” amid changing moral standards. It was later printed in the Ensign and Liahona magazines in 1995–96 and translated into more than 100 languages. 

Doctrinal Themes

The proclamation teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that gender is an eternal characteristic of individual identity. It defines the responsibilities of fathers and mothers as equal partners—fathers to preside and provide, mothers to nurture—and proclaims that family life should be founded on faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and love. It warns that the disintegration of the family will bring social and spiritual calamities and calls on citizens and governments to safeguard the family as the fundamental unit of society. 

Influence and Legacy

Since 1995, the proclamation has been quoted extensively in general conference addresses and shared with civic and religious leaders, including at the United Nations and the Vatican City. It serves as a central reference in Church education, including the Brigham Young University School of Family Life, where it functions as a “charter document.” Members often display framed copies in their homes, viewing it as a concise expression of revealed principles about eternal families. 

Continuing Significance

Three decades later, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” remains a defining statement of Latter-day Saint belief about the sanctity of marriage, the divine role of parents, and the eternal nature of family relationships in the plan of salvation.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World is an official statement issued by

the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

on September 23, 1995, during the General Relief Society Meeting.

It was presented by

Gordon B. Hinckley,

who was the President of the Church at that time.

Purpose of the Proclamation

The document was created to declare the Church’s teachings about:

• Marriage
• Family roles
• Gender identity
• Parenting responsibilities
• Moral standards
• Importance of family in God’s plan

It is considered a doctrinal statement, but not the same as scripture.

Key Teachings (Summary)

1. Marriage

Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.

2. Family is central to God’s plan

The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

3. Gender is eternal

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

4. Parents’ responsibilities

• Fathers preside in love and righteousness
• Mothers nurture children
• Both work together equally

5. Children should be raised with:

• Faith
• Prayer
• Love
• Work
• Respect

6. Warning to the world

The proclamation warns that:

• Breakdown of family will bring problems to society
• Nations will suffer if family values are ignored

Why it is important in LDS belief

• Often quoted in conferences
• Used in lessons, seminary, and church talks
• Considered prophetic guidance for modern times