The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches that optimal
happiness comes as a result of family life. The church further teaches
that families were designed by God to consist of a mother, a father, and
children. As parents, such men and women have unique roles. Each role
is special and essential. Fathers have the charge to support
financially, protect physically, and preside, while a mother's central
responsibility is in the nurture of their children. The church
understands that adaptation may be necessary under less than ideal
circumstances.
For
example, a mother may need to sacrifice time spent with children in
order to provide financially in place of a bedridden husband. Or a
father may need to stay at home and watch the children as he job
searches, while the mother holds a temporary job in the meantime.
Even
so, we know of at least one characteristic to the family unit that God
has declared through living prophets to be unchangeable. Namely, that
marriage is between a man and a woman. This does not mean, however, that
we are unkind to those who disagree. We believe in treating everyone
with love and respect.
In
addition, we love those whose desire it is to marry and have children,
but who do not accomplish these goals despite their best efforts. They
are not held accountable for this, and they will yet enjoy every
opportunity of ideal family circumstances in the next life if they are
faithful in mortality.
Please
follow the link below for a one page, but detailed proclamation from
former First Presidency members and Twelve Apostles of our church
regarding the sacred principles mentioned above. Please also feel free
to enjoy the video below, which highlights one of the important aspects
of parenthood(Article submitted by Joshua Foster)
Writing this article reminded me of the sacred role of spouses and parents. The world becomes a better place when they understand and fulfill their divine duties.
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