Sept. 23, 2025, marked the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” also known by many in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as “The Family Proclamation.” This document teaches that marriage between a man and a woman and the creation of families are central parts of God’s plan. In this first part of a two-part special Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen explores the gospel doctrine and principles taught in “The Family Proclamation.” The podcast features quotes from Church leaders who testify how eternal truths found in the proclamation strengthen individuals, families and homes.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

September 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” which proclaims 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.”

On this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Mary Richards continues the discussion of “The Family Proclamation,” as she is joined by Jenet Erickson, an associate professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University. Erickson teaches, researches and presents on the family as a fellow of both the Wheatley Institute and the Institute for Family Studies. Together they discuss the divine design of the family, mothers’ well-being and how the proclamation’s principles promote family stability and happiness.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Thirty years ago, on Sept. 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley, then the President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stood at the pulpit in the Salt Lake Tabernacle and gave a proclamation to the world on the sacred importance of the family. Over the next three decades, this powerful document, titled “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” has guided members of the Church, and others, in strengthening home and family by adhering to its prophetic principles in an increasingly changing world.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards continues the discussion of “The Family Proclamation” and the family itself. She is joined by co-directors of Brigham Young University’s American Families of Faith Project, Loren Marks and David Dollahite, both of whom are professors of family life at Brigham Young University. They highlight their 25-year interfaith research on religiously active families and how resilience is built through faith practices.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.