The Family: A Proclamation to the World
“The Family is Central to the Creator's Plan”
December 15 - December 21
scripture
quotes
Faith in the Lord's Timing
<p>“May I point out something obvious? Life rarely goes exactly according to plan for anyone, and we are very aware that not all women are experiencing what the proclamation describes. It is still important to understand and teach the Lord’s pattern and strive for the realization of that pattern the best we can. Each of us has a part to play in the plan, and each of us is equally valued in the eyes of the Lord. We should remember that a loving Heavenly Father is aware of our righteous desires and will honor His promises that nothing will be withheld from those who faithfully keep their covenants. Heavenly Father has a mission and plan for each of us, but He also has His own timetable. One of the hardest challenges in this life is to have faith in the Lord’s timing. It’s a good idea to have an alternative plan in mind, which helps us to be covenant-keeping, charitable, and righteous women who build the kingdom of God no matter which way our lives go. We need to teach our daughters to aim for the ideal but plan for contingencies.”</p>
Bonnie L. Oscarson, “Defenders of the Family Proclamation,” April 2015 General Conference
Faithful in Different Circumstances
<p>“There are so many, young and old, who are loyal and true to the gospel of Jesus Christ, even though their own current experience does not fit neatly inside the family proclamation: children whose lives have been shaken by divorce; youth whose friends mock the law of chastity; divorced women and men who have been gravely wounded by the unfaithfulness of a spouse; husbands and wives who are unable to have children; women and men who are married to a spouse who does not share their faith in the restored gospel; single women and men who, for various reasons, have been unable to marry. One friend of nearly 20 years, whom I admire greatly, is not married because of same-sex attraction. He has remained true to his temple covenants, has expanded his creative and professional talents, and has served nobly in both the Church and the community. He recently said to me, ‘I can sympathize with those in my situation who choose not to keep the law of chastity in the world in which we live. But didn’t Christ ask us to be “not of this world”? It is clear that God’s standards are different from those of the world.’ The laws of man often move outside the boundaries set by the laws of God. For those desiring to please God, faith, patience, and diligence are surely needed.”</p>
Neil L. Andersen, “The Eye of Faith,” April 2019 General Conference
commentary
Family Proclamation Paragraph 5
<p>This paragraph speaks briefly of the sanctity of life and the means by which mortal life is created. For married couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally, the Church supports alternative methods, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. If the parents are already sealed, children who come into being using these methods are considered to be born in the covenant.<a href="#_ftn1" id="_ftnref1" title="" class="see-footnote">[1]</a> However, because the process of conception is divinely appointed, the Church counsels against surrogate motherhood.<a href="#_ftn2" id="_ftnref2" title="" class="see-footnote">[2]</a> The Church also counsels against artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization when using genetic materials from anyone other than the husband or wife.<a href="#_ftn3" id="_ftnref3" title="" class="see-footnote">[3]</a></p> <p>As for affirming the sanctify of life, the Church also upholds the human rights of the unborn. Abortion can be allowable in a very specific set of circumstances, such as if the child is the product of incest or rape. Abortion may also be allowed if the child suffers from serious defects or if the life of the mother is in danger. Even in these circumstances, Church leaders counsel individuals wrestling with this question to seek guidance from their families, their priesthood leaders, and the Spirit of the Lord to determine the right course of action. Abortion for personal or social convenience is strongly condemned by the Church.<a href="#_ftn4" id="_ftnref4" title="" class="see-footnote">[4]</a></p> <p>Church leaders have also recognized that many women who receive abortions do so because they are not yet ready to raise children. In these cases, the Church advocates adoption. Speaking on both abortion and adoption, President Russell M. Nelson taught the following:</p> <blockquote> <p>Why destroy a life that could bring great joy to others? There are better ways of dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. When a life is created by sinful behavior, the best way to begin personal repentance is to preserve the life of that child. To add another serious sin to a serious sin already committed only compounds the grief. Adoption is a wonderful alternative to abortion. Both the baby and the adoptive parents can be greatly blessed by the adoption of that baby into a home where the child will be lovingly nurtured and where the blessings of the gospel will be available.<a href="#_ftn5" id="_ftnref5" title="" class="see-footnote">[5]</a></p> </blockquote> <p>In upholding the sanctity of life, the Church also advocates strongly against euthanasia, or deliberately ending the life of a person who is suffering from an incurable disease. Life is a precious gift, and God determines those who are appointed unto death (D&C 42:48). However, discontinuing or forgoing extreme measures for a person at the end of his or her life is not considered euthanasia. In all matters linked to the sacred nature of life, extreme caution and sensitivity is called for. The gift of a mortal life is one of the greatest gifts God can offer His children.</p> <div class="footnotes"> <p class="footnote"><a href="#_ftnref1" id="_ftn1" title="" class="footnote-label">[1]</a> <em>General Handbook, </em>38.4.2.7.</p> <p class="footnote"><a href="#_ftnref2" id="_ftn2" title="" class="footnote-label">[2]</a> <em>General Handbook, </em>38.6.22.</p> <p class="footnote"><a href="#_ftnref3" id="_ftn3" title="" class="footnote-label">[3]</a> <em>General Handbook, </em>21.4.7.</p> <p class="footnote"><a href="#_ftnref4" id="_ftn4" title="" class="footnote-label">[4]</a> <em>General Handbook, </em>21.4.1.</p> <p class="footnote"><a href="#_ftnref5" id="_ftn5" title="" class="footnote-label">[5]</a> Russell M. Nelson, “Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless,” <em>Liahona, </em>October 2008.</p> </div>
Doctrine and Covenants Minute by Casey Paul Griffiths
