The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Doctrinal assertions

* All human beings are created in God's image.

* Gender is an essential part of human identity before, during, and after life on Earth.

* "In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan..."

* "Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples [of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."

Items of counsel

* Sex is sacred and must only take place between a married man and woman.

* Parents have a serious responsibility "to love and care for each other and for their children."

* Happiness and success come through following the teachings of Jesus and through "faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

* "...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."

* "...fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

Warnings

* Those who commit adultery or "abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God."

* Disintegration of the family will bring "calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets".