We believe in families, and we believe in children.
"We declare that God's commandment for His children
to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force." This
commandment has not been forgotten or set aside in The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We express deep gratitude for the enormous faith shown by
husbands and wives in their willingness to have children.
When to have a child and how many children to have are
private decisions to be made between a husband and
wife and the Lord.
These are sacred decisions--decisions that
should be made with sincere prayer and acted
on with great faith.
This is a time of economic instability and financial
uncertainty.
In April general conference, President Thomas S. Monson
said, "If you are concerned about providing financially
for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no
shame in a couple having to scrimp and save." Many voices
in the world today marginalize the importance of having
children or suggest delaying or limiting
children in a family.
"[It's]
not something [you]
do if you can squeeze the time in.
It is what God gave you time for."
Having young children is not easy.
Many days are just difficult.
We thank you for creating within the Church a sanctuary
for families, where we honor and help
mothers with children.
To a righteous father, there are no words sufficient to
express the gratitude and love he feels for his wife's
incalculable gift of bearing and caring for their children.
Jesus took a child in His arms and said, "Whosoever shall
receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and
whosoever [receiveth]
me, receiveth ... him that sent me."