None should resist the plea that we unite to increase our concern for the welfare and future of our children—the rising generation.
Children are highly vulnerable. They have little or no power to protect or provide for themselves and little influence on so much that is vital to their well-being. Children need others to speak for them, and they need decision makers who put their well-being ahead of selfish adult interests.
From the perspective of the plan of salvation, one of the most serious abuses of children is to deny them birth.
Worldwide, there are estimated to be more than 40 million abortions per year. Many laws permit or even promote abortion, but to us this is a great evil.
Worldwide, almost eight million children die before their fifth birthday, mostly from diseases both treatable and preventable.
One in four children have stunted growth, mentally and physically, because of inadequate nutrition.
“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:5–6).
Parents or other caregivers or teachers or peers who demean, bully, or humiliate children or youth can inflict harm more permanent than physical injury.
Making a child or youth feel worthless, unloved, or unwanted can inflict serious and long-lasting injury on his or her emotional well-being and development.
“Throughout history, marriage has first and foremost been an institution for procreation and raising children. It has provided the cultural tie that seeks to connect the father to his children by binding him to the mother of his children. Yet in recent times, children have increasingly been pushed from center stage.” -Brad Wilcox and Elizebeth Marquardt
Looking “upon marriage as a mere contract that may be entered into at pleasure … and severed at the first difficulty … is an evil meriting severe condemnation,” especially where “children are made to suffer.” And children are impacted by divorces. Over half of the divorces in a recent year involved couples with minor children.
Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another.
Children need the emotional and personal strength that come from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals.
“The family structure that produces the best outcomes for children, on average, are two biological parents who remain married.” -Charles Murray
For children, the relative stability of marriage matters.
Here is the full talk:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/protect-the-children?lang=eng
-Sherri Jorgensen
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