marriage

No, I'm not getting married! At least not any time soon. Hi family, I usually don't say much about politics and have never written an email about them but this is so important and more of a moral issue than a political one. The purpose of this email is to encourage you to go out and vote yes on Proposition 8 and I hope that you will hear me out on why. I believe that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God" and essential to His plan for bringing His children into the world and providing them with happy families and productive lives. I believe that it is crucial to maintain the definition of marriage as He established it or else marriages will grow weaker than they already are. I believe that children are entitled to grow up with a mother and father in the home. I believe that when the courts changed what marriage means, happy, strong families became less likely. I believe that we need to teach children that marriage is sacred and that the power to bring forth children should only be practiced within the bonds of marriage between a man and a woman. Having said this, I would also say that I don't believe that those that don't keep this law of chastity are bad people or that anyone should treat them any differently than as children of God with respect and love. My support for Proposition 8 does not spring out of hate or fear but rather love. I believe that anything different than the pattern God set up will bring unhappiness to everyone, the partners included. In my life, especially on my mission, I have seen the consequences of decisions having to do with these issues and I know that what I am saying is true. These are commandments from God and disobeying them brings sorrow and does not allow God to bless you. And it is not just me saying it. It is the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and all the modern day prophets. I believe that if we let this go that there will be less and less religious liberty. In Massachusetts schools will not notify parents when children are taught about same-sex marriages. Children are taught that same-sex marriages are of equal moral validity and the parents have no clue when it is being taught so that they can talk to their children about it. I am concerned that the same thing will happen to my children when I have them. I also am worried that churches and other social service organizations, such as adoption agencies, will be pressured to accept what has been deemed acceptable by law or else face sanctions. For instance, some churches no longer have adoption services in Massachusetts because they would be forced by law to put children in what they see as a harmful situation. My church has a wonderful adoption program and I worry that it would have to be discontinued. Judges are also forced to preform these marriages even if they do not agree with them. I worry that this will lead to people of many faiths opting out of the law profession because they do not want to do things that go against their beliefs. I think this will lead to a a degrading of our legal system. I think there are other long-reaching consequences that we cannot see yet. I know that the family has already been weakened by many other forces, but that is no reason that one more force, instigated by 4 judges, should weaken it further. California voters already decided they wanted to protect marriage years ago with prop 22 and I believe that the voice of the people should make the laws. Of course, once the voice of the people begins to make immoral decisions we are going down a very bad road. Well, I hope you understand and know that I am trying to protect the institution that I will be part of one day, as well as to share what I believe will bring the most happiness to everyone. There are some websites with more information such as preservingmarriage.org, and protectmarriage.com. I know that God created men and women and marriage as the most important parts of his plan for the happiness and eternal life of his children. Families who live the gospel of Jesus Christ will find happiness in this life and the next. I love you all and if you are registered to vote in California, you should vote. And you should get registered if you're not already. Have a great night! Love, Clara PS: here is what the leaders of my church (prophets) said about the family (It's really good): The Family: A Proclamation to the World The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim 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. All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan. Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations. The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. 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. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed. We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society. This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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