Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reaffirmed the divine nature of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" during a BYU devotional on September 23, 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the document's original presentation in 199 and emphasizing its role as a revelatory guide for families and society.
Historical context of the proclamation
Speaking at Brigham Young University, Rasband highlighted the historical significance of the proclamation, which was first read by President Gordon B. Hinckley during a General Relief Society meeting on September 23, 1995. The announcement took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of a message intended to warn against shifting societal standards regarding family and morality.
Development and divine inspiration
Rasband noted that the proclamation was developed following discussions held by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1994. During those meetings, leaders observed societal shifts away from established religious laws concerning marriage and gender. President Russell M. Nelson later described seeing the early signs of efforts to remove limitations on sexual activity and confusion regarding gender identity during that period.
The preparation of the document involved prayerful deliberation by Church leaders. According to Rasband, the Apostles turned to the Lord for guidance on what to say and how to present the declaration. The finalized text was then presented to the First Presidency, which at the time consisted of Presidents Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Thomas S. Monson.
The presentation to the Church
As reported by Rasband in his October 2025 address, the timing of the proclamation's release was also significant. Following the passing of President Hunter in March 1995, President Hinckley assumed the presidency. Six months later, during the September Relief Society meeting, Hinckley introduced the document to a group of women who were already discussing concerns regarding the stability of families and the role of women.
Core doctrines of the document
The proclamation itself contains nine paragraphs and 609 words, outlining specific doctrines on marriage and parenthood. It states 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. The document also asserts that gender is an essential characteristic of individual identity in both mortal and eternal contexts.
Responsibilities within the family unit
Key tenets within the text include the responsibility of husbands and wives to love and care for one another and their children. It declares that mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of children, while fathers are to preside over families in love and righteousness, providing protection and necessities. The proclamation further emphasizes that the sacred powers of procreation should be used only between lawfully wedded man and woman.
Rasband addressed the ongoing relevance of these teachings in a modern context, noting that while some may find the proclamation's views on family structures or gender to be insensitive or unaligned with their personal experiences, he maintains that the principles are "perfectly in step with the ways of the Lord."
He referenced the words of President Dallin H. Oaks, who described the proclamation as a statement of eternal truth and the will of the Lord for those seeking eternal life. Rasband also noted that the Church has issued only six proclamations in its history, including the 1995 family proclamation and the 2020 bicentennial proclamation regarding the restoration of the gospel.
During his BYU address, Rasband also touched upon recent local tragedies, expressing condolences for victims of a recent act of violence in the nearby valley that disrupted university life. He cited a statement from the Church's First Presidency condemning acts of violence and urging people to seek peace and unity.
Reflecting on his own ministry, Rasband shared an account from 2022 regarding the dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple. He described receiving a divine prompting to add specific words to the dedicatory prayer—“May we think celestial, letting Thy Spirit prevail in our', lives, and strive to be peacemakers always”—a practice he has continued in every temple dedication since.
Rasband concluded by emphasizing that "words matter," particularly the words within the proclamation such as family, Creator, and happiness. He encouraged listeners to remain focused on their eternal goals and to use the principles of faith, prayer, repentance, and love to strengthen their family units.
