There have been six official proclamations in the 195 year history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this year is the 30th anniversary of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. On today's episode we are talking with church historians about all six, what they meant for the saints at the time, and what it means when there is a proclamation issued. And even though some are almost 100 years old we will ask what eternal truths can be learned from their words.
Segment 1
The Family: A Proclamation to the World, delivered on September 23, 1995
Segment 2
A Proclamation, to the Saints Scattered Abroad, delivered on January 15, 1841
Words of the General Authorities:
The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israel is to bring the blessings of the temple to God’s faithful children. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation”, October 2021 General Conference)
The spirit of “room in the inn” includes “no one sits alone.” When you come to church, if you see someone alone, will you please say hello and sit with him or her? … In His restored Church, we are all better when no one sits alone. Let us not simply accommodate or tolerate. Let us genuinely welcome, acknowledge, minister to, love. May each friend, sister, brother not be a foreigner or stranger but a child at home. (Gerrit W. Gong, “No One Sits Alone”, October 2025 General Conference)
Segment 3
Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered on April 6, 1845
Scriptures:
D&C 124 (Commandment to make a proclamation)
Words of the General Authorities:
What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?
If we would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming”, April 2004 General Conference)
Segment 4
Proclamation of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles, delivered on October 21, 1865
Segment 5
Proclamation from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Delivered on April 6, 1980
Words of the General Authorities:
Report of the 150th Annual Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Segment 6
The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World, delivered on April 5, 2020
View transcript here.