In 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley shared "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" in the women's session of General Conference. At the time, the truths stated within the proclamation may have only seemed like a reiteration of basic truths agreed upon by many in and outside of the church. But since 1995, we have seen a major turnabout in public opinion regarding the definition and purpose of marriage, sexuality and gender, and the value of childbearing. Today we see the proclamation increasingly coming under fire with some saying it is too exclusive, too constraining, and outmoded.

In this episode, BYU professor and family studies researcher Jenet Erickson discusses the data regarding the effect of marriage on child/adult development and well-being, the unique contributions of fathers and mothers on child development as well as how these findings shed light on the timely and prophetic nature of the Family Proclamation. She also discusses how we all fall outside the lines of the familial ideal, but through Christ and as a beloved member of God's great family, we can feel love and belonging despite our mortal challenges.

Interesting in hearing more from Jenet Erickson? Check out these links.

Follow Him Podcast: https://followhim.co/episodes-41-52/

Presentations:We Need Children Even More Than They Need Ushttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWaD8igcMgM

Individual Rights and Well-being of Childrenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImOp5nDHNRo

Fathers Don't Mother and Mothers Don't Fatherhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOWHAqxvBx8

Article from Deseret News on the Proclamation:https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2020/9/23/21451726/the-family-proclamation-lds-mormon-anniversary-2020-society