An Introduction to The Family Proclamation

"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was given by President Gordon B. Hinckley in at General Conference in 1995. The Proclamation states many precious truths and doctrine about the family unit and it's place in Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness for all His children. Though this was only pronounced 20 years ago, the precious doctrines and truths contained there in have now all encountered opposition from the world.
Confusion, doubt and moral relativity have now taken hold of many in the world when previously there had been such clarity and understanding about the importance of families and relationships. The divine definition of marriage being between a man and woman and a life goal has come under question and seen as 'narrow minded' and not at the top of the priority list in comparison to having a successful career. The values of chastity and fidelity before and after marriage, once a virtue, are now seen as 'old fashioned' and restricting of natural pleasures of life. The roles of parents and the desire to have children have greatly diminished in importance and are now seen as expensive, time consuming and a burden.
The Proclamation came out when it did in order for future generations to have a clear understanding of God's purpose for placing us in family units before these changes even became apparent. In response to a journalist asking about the Church's firm and clear stance on the meaning of marriage and family while others were so confused Kendel Christensen, a BYU student and advocate for the importance of families, referenced the Family Proclamation. When the journalist saw the date of the Proclamation she was surprised it came out long before there was any debate about these issues. Christensen replied,

"the Church's position on marriage and family wasn't a 'response' to any specific political policy, but an established doctrine"(Successful Marriages and Families, 29-315).

Heavenly Father didn't wish any of His children to be confused about their innate divine heritage and purpose. "From the beginning, God organized the human family and revealed that marriage and family relationships are intended to be eternal" (Successful Marriages and Families, 32). In a world of constantly shifting values and where morals are relative, the truths in the Proclamation hold firm and provide the straight clear path needed to create and keep a strong eternal family centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Its application and relevance are not only for those members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but for the entire world. People of all faiths, nations and tongues can learn, gain understanding and be warned and guided through the principles and doctrines contained in the Proclamation.  This blog will recount many of the truths contained in the Proclamation, how they are being opposed in the world and how we can apply them to our lives.