“It serves as a forthright guide,” he says in speech at BYU, “for both families and governments.”
(Olivia Taylor | BYU Photo) Apostle Ronald A. Rasband speaks at Brigham Young University about the family proclamation on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.
After a prayer given by his own freshman grandson, Latter-day Saint apostle Ronald A. Rasband reaffirmed the importance of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” on its 30th anniversary Tuesday.
Speaking at a Brigham Young University devotional, Rasband expressed his love for the document — which spells out the earthly and eternal significance of families in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and described his responsibility to preach what it states.
“It serves as a forthright guide for both families and governments,” he said. “My brethren and I, and many church officers, have given the proclamation to kings, religious and civic leaders around the world.”
Rasband noted that Tuesday marked the 30th anniversary of the proclamation’s unveiling by then-church President Gordon B. Hinckley during a general meeting of the women’s Relief Society in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
The proclamation, which remains a controversial document in the faith, declares some fundamental Latter-day Saint beliefs regarding gender, sexuality and the roles of women and men.
Rasband said the proclamation helps Latter-day Saints recognize what distinguishes them from “the ways and advocacy of the world.”
It declares, for instance, that “the family is central to the creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of his children,” emphasizing male-female marriage and traditional gender roles.
“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,” it states. “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.”
‘That is what families do’
Rasband acknowledged that not every family fits the traditional mold due to circumstances “thrust in front of us.” Still, he added, family members should be there for one another when needed.
Recounting the time an infant grandson died because of a birth defect, the apostle described how he supported his loved ones during this struggle.
“We stand together, brothers and sisters, in the hard times as well as the good ones,” Rasband said. “Because that is what families do.”
The church leader said that the document endures as a “revelatory voice,” which centralizes the faith’s beliefs about families.
He also encouraged BYU students to keep a focus on family life.
“Do not let building a career,” he cautioned, “take the place of building a family.”
‘Sobering times’
Rasband also addressed the shooting death earlier this month of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at nearby Utah Valley University.
Amid these “sobering times,” he said, Latter-day Saints should pursue peace. He shared with the audience a news release from the church’s governing First Presidency after that crime:
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints condemns horrific acts of violence worldwide, including the recent assassination in Utah,” the release stated. “We affirm our repeated calls to seek peace and unity despite our differences. Jesus Christ teaches us to love one another, that hate is wrong and that human life is sacred. We urge all to reject violence and instead build understanding. Recognizing that we are all children of God, we must treat one another with more dignity, compassion and respect. As we mourn with those who have experienced loss and care for those living in fear or conflict, we call upon people everywhere to build communities of greater kindness and love.”