[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 183 (Friday, November 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE FAMILY--A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES V. HANSEN

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 17, 1995

  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to pay tribute 
with my colleagues Congressman Ron Packard, Congressman Wally Herger, 
Congressman John Doolittle, Congressman Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon, 
Congressman Ernest J. Istook, Congresswoman Enid Green Waldholtz, 
Congressman Michael D. Crapo, and Congressman Matt Salmon and to enter 
into the Congressional Record a message from President Hinckley, 
president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the 
Mormons).
  On November 13, 1995 President Hinckley visited top leaders from the 
Federal Government and the community. During his visit, President 
Hinckley met with President Clinton. His message to President Clinton 
was to share with the world the importance of promoting measures that 
maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
  As members of the Mormon Church we extend this proclamation from the 
First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to all people.

                The Family--A Proclamation to the World

       We, the first presidency and the Council of the Twelve 
     Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 
     solemnly proclaim that 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.
       All human beings--male and female--are created in the image 
     of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly 
     parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. 
     Gender is an essential characteristic of individual 
     premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
       In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and 
     worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan 
     by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain 
     earthly experience to progress toward perfection and 
     ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of 
     eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family 
     relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred 
     ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it 
     possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and 
     for families to be united eternally.
       The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve 
     pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and 
     wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to 
     multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. 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.
       We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be 
     divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its 
     importance in God's eternal plan.
       Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and 
     care for each other and for their children. ``Children are an 
     heritage of the Lord'' (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred 
     duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to 
     provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach 
     them to love and serve one another, to observe the 
     commandments of God and to be law-abidding citizens 
     wherever they live. Husbands and wives--mothers and 
     fathers--will be held accountable before God for discharge 
     of these obligations.
       The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and 
     woman is essential to His eternal plan. 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. Happiness in family life is most likely to be 
     achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus 
     Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and 
     maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, 
     forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome 
     recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to 
     preside over their families in love and righteousness and are 
     responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection 
     for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the 
     nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, 
     fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as 
     equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may 
     necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should 
     lend support when needed.
       We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, 
     who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family 
     responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. 
     Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will 
     bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the 
     calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
       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.

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