In September 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet and president of the LDS Church, read The Family: A Proclamation to the World for the first time and to an annual worldwide gathering of the women of the Church. The doctrine stated in the Proclamation was not necessarily new, but rather was a way of clearly and succinctly stating the Mormon Church’s beliefs about families.

According to the Proclamation, Mormons believe that all humans are created in the image of God, and are spirit sons and daughters of Heavenly parents. Gender is an important part of our identity. We came to earth to gain physical bodies, learn through experiences in mortality, and be given family relationships that can last forever through ordinances and covenants made on earth.1

Mormons believe that God commanded Adam and Eve to have children and that the directive is still valid today. They also believe that the powers of procreation are sacred, and only to be used within the bonds of marriage. “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.” Parents have a “sacred duty” to love and provide for their children, as well as to teach them to love, serve, and obey God’s commandments and the laws of the land.1

Mormons believe that their families should be the top priority in their lives, especially since family relationships are one of few things that exist beyond the grave. God has given a pattern for families to follow that will best strengthen each member of the family, the family as a whole, and therefore, society as a whole. This pattern is outlined in the Proclamation: “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.” 1

Other Links:
Mormon Families
Beliefs of Mormonism
Eternal Marriage

1 The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Family: A Proclamation to the World, http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html