Experiencing Jesus Christ Through the Family Proclamation
Video Recordings of Conference Presentations
Keynote Address
Sister Amy A. Wright: Finding Christ in The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Day 1 Presentations | |
| Young Adult Panel: The Proclamation: Finding Hope in Christ (Sara Daniela Acosta, Anna Bryner, & Fritz-Carle Morlant) | |
| Shima Baradaran Baughman: Peace in Christ When Everything Falls Apart | Lia & Justin Collings: Peace in Christ: The Wild and Wonderful World of Parenting |
| Ty Mansfield: Feeling Joy in Christ Through the Proclamation When We Don't Fit the Mold | Elizabeth Clark: In Christ We All Belong |
| Jenet Erickson: We are Designed for Eternal Covenant Relationships | Jason Carroll: A True Temple Marriage |
Day 2 Presentations | |
Finding Joy and Confidence in Following the Proclamation | |
Founding Families on the Teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ Amidst Challenges Shayne Anderson | Jonathan Sandberg | Alyssa Banford-Witting | |
Panel: Establishing Successful Marriages and Families Brian Willoughby, Chelom Leavitt, Loren Marks, Adam Rogers | |
| Byran Korth: The Complementarity of Christ and the Family in the Father’s Plan of Salvation | Michael Goodman: The Family Proclamation: A Key to Joy in This Life and Our Destiny in the Life to Come |
| Philip Allred: Thinking Celestial about Heavenly Father’s Family-Centered Plan | Brian Mead: Bound by Love, Prepared by Covenant |
| Jenet Erickson: By Divine Design: Mothers and Fathers, Complementarity and Equal Partnership | Ty Mansfield: By Divine Design: The Stewardship of Gender and Sexuality |
Closing Address
Barbara Morgan Gardner: The Family Proclamation—Preparation, Partnership, Purpose, Priority, Power, Prophetic
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CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
(Click tabs at top of page for Conference details)
Download: Two-Day Conference Program
On September 23, 1995, during the general Relief Society meeting, President Gordon B. Hinckley delivered "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the family proclamation, a BYU conference was held focusing on how the proclamation continues to be an extension of the Savior's divine mercy and loving help for all of God's children as they navigate the realities of mortality.
Sister Amy A. Wright, First Counselor in the General Primary Presidency, was the Keynote Speaker. BYU faculty and young adults delivered presentations encouraged and inspired attendees to experience Jesus Christ through the divine truths of the family proclamation, assisting them in their "quest for perfection and eternal life."
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*Inquiries regarding the conference can be directed to Byran Korth
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Experiencing Jesus Christ Through the Family Proclamation
September 25-26, 2025
Download: Two-Day Conference Program • Conference Flyer
On September 23, 1995, during the general Relief Society meeting, President Gordon B. Hinckley delivered "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the family proclamation, a two-day conference will be held on September 25-26, 2025, focusing on how the proclamation continues to be an extension of the Savior's divine mercy and loving help for all of God's children as they navigate the realities of mortality.
Sister Amy A. Wright, First Counselor in the General Primary Presidency, will be the Keynote Speaker. BYU faculty and young adults will deliver presentations during the two-day conference that will encourage and inspire attendees to experience Jesus Christ through the divine truths of the family proclamation, assisting them in their "quest for perfection and eternal life." All BYU students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend.
Attendees are welcome to join any of the following sessions and respective presentations as their schedules allow. The conference will not be live-streamed but recordings of presentations will be made available after the conclusion of the conference.
Day 1 Sessions • Thursday, September 25
Click tabs at top of page for session details
9:00 AM - 11:50 AM SESSION | Varsity Theater — Sponsored by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at BYU
Panels of young adults, faculty members from the BYU Law School, community members, and Religious Education faculty will share their experiences and testimonies of experiencing the hope, peace, and joy in Christ in the context of the mortal realities and difficulties of sexuality and family life. Presentations during this session will focus on understanding the Proclamation on the Family through understanding what it teaches of Christ, how it can bring all of us closer to Christ, and how Christ provides compensating power, hope, and joy amidst challenges of family and sexuality.
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Sara Daniela Acosta | 
Fitz-Carl Morlant | 
Anna Bryner | 
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3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Hinckley Center Assembly Hall — Sponsored by the Wheatley Institute at BYU • Click tabs at top of page for session details
Jason Carroll and Jenet Erickson from the Wheatley Institute will address the doctrine and principles taught in the proclamation and related research regarding divinely designed relationships in the family of God and preparing for eternal marriage.
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7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Hinckley Center Assembly Hall — Sponsored by the Wheatley Institute at BYU
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First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
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Day 2 Sessions • Friday, September 26
Click tabs at top of page for session details
9:00 AM - 11:50 AM SESSION | Education in Zion Auditorium (B192 JFSB) — Sponsored by the School of Family Life at BYU
Faculty members from the School of Family Life at BYU will draw on both doctrine and research to explore the eternal principles taught in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." These presentations will combine academic insight with spiritual testimony, showing how evidence and experience affirm the truth that lasting joy, confidence, healing, and strength in family life come when centered on the teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ.
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1:00 PM - 3:50 PM SESSION | Education in Zion Auditorium (B192 JFSB) — Sponsored by Religious Education at BYU • Click tabs at top of page for session details
Faculty from Religious Education who teach "The Eternal Family" course will give various presentations that address how the family is divinely designed by God to be central in His Plan of Salvation. Faculty will emphasize how the truths and principles of the family proclamation are manifestations of the Savior's mercy and help available to all his children today.
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CLOSING ADDRESS | Education in Zion Auditorium (B192 JFSB) — Sponsored by the School of Family Life and Religious Education at BYU
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*Inquiries regarding the conference can be directed to Byran Korth or Barbara Morgan Gardner
Thursday, September 25
9:00 AM - 11:50 AM SESSION | 3:00 PM - 4:50 PM SESSION | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM KEYNOTE
Download: Two-Day Conference Program • Conference Flyer
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9:00 AM - 11:50 AM SESSION | Varsity Theater
Sponsored by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at BYU
*Attendees are welcome to join any of the following presentations as their schedules allow.
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM | Hope in Christ
A panel of young adults will discuss how the Proclamation on the Family is experienced and lived. The conversation will look at how hope in Christ can provide a steadying force through the uncertainties of family life and how efforts to live the principles of the Proclamation on the Family can bless everyone, regardless of family circumstances.
The Proclamation: Finding Hope in Christ
Sara Daniela Acosta | 
Fritz-Carl Morlant | 
Anna Bryner |
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM | Peace in Christ
Presentations during this hour will discuss the real challenges and joys of family life in covenant relationship with Christ. Professor Baughman shares her experiences healing from a divorce and finding covenant belonging as she continued to seek and feel peace in Christ. In a conversation with the Collingses, the parents of seven children, we will explore the ups and downs of parenting and how it brings us to Christ and teaches us of God's love in powerful ways.
Peace in Christ When Everything Falls Apart 
Woodruff J. Deem Professor of Law, J. Reuben Clark Law School and is a Distinguished Fellow of the Wheatley Institution, BYU. | Peace in Christ: The Wild and Wonderful World of Parenting 
Lia and Justin Collings are the parents of seven children. Lia is the editor of the volume of essays, Choosing Motherhood. Justin serves as Academic Vice President of BYU and is a Professor of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, BYU. |
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM | Joy in Christ
For many, differing life circumstances around marriage, family, sexuality, and gender—whether delayed, disrupted, or unfulfilled—can create unique challenges in relation to the Proclamation on the Family. Presenters Ty Mansfield (BYU Religious Education) and Elizabeth Clark (BYU Law School) will address how living in a covenant relationship with Christ can bring joy through various and often challenging life experiences.
Feeling Joy in Christ through the Proclamation When We Don't Fit the Mold 
Assistant Professor, Religious Education | In Christ We All Belong 
Professor of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU and is the Associate Director for the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, BYU |
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3:00 PM - 4:50 PM SESSION | Hinckley Center Assembly Hall
Sponsored by the Wheatley Institute at BYU
*Attendees are welcome to attend any of the following presentations as their schedule allows.
The Plan in the Proclamation: We Are Designed for Eternal Covenant Relationships Description: This presentation will discuss how the plan of salvation, culminating in the great atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, was designed to enable us to become beings of love in the deepest form of connection with others. This teaches us that all commandments and every truth revealed by prophets of God—including the precious truths in the proclamation on the family—are to guide us in the ways of God that we might become beings of love. The session will also highlight how the most powerful expression of God’s love is his offer to be in covenant relationship with us and that our fullest development emerges from within strong relationships. God’s plan calls us into relationships with our eternal family—God’s family, which we are all a part of—so we might experience the Lord’s covenant healing, belonging, and redemption together in him.
Associate Professor, Religious Education and is a Wheatley Institute Fellow, BYU |
A True Temple Marriage Description: This presentation will discuss how a true temple marriage is a kind of marriage, not simply the location of a marriage. The proclamation on the family teaches us that a true temple marriage is a pattern for marriage that is “established and maintained” according to God’s “divine design” for marriage and families. A true temple marriage is different from other kinds of marriage because it has: unique preparations, unique patterns, unique priorities, and unique promises. This session will discuss each of these features of a true temple marriage and highlight the primary witnesses of living prophets and scriptures that teach us of their truthfulness. The session will also share second witnesses to these truths that come from the relationship sciences.
Professor and the Director of the Wheatley Institute Family Initiative, BYU |
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7:00 PM - 8:00 PM KEYNOTE | Hinckley Center Assembly Hall
Sponsored by the Wheatley Institute at BYU
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First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
*Inquiries regarding the conference can be directed to Byran Korth or Barbara Morgan Gardner
Friday Sessions, September 26
9:00 AM - 11:50 AM SESSION | 1:00 PM - 3:50 PM SESSION | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CLOSING SESSION
Download: Two-Day Conference Program • Conference Flyer
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9:00 AM to 11:50 AM SESSION | Education in Zion Auditorium
(B192 JSFB)
Sponsored by the School of Family Life at BYU
*Attendees are welcome to attend any of the following presentations as their schedule allows.
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
Finding Joy and Confidence in Following the Proclamation
Description: In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," this session brings together faithful faculty voices to reflect on how the principles of the proclamation have provided personal direction, peace, and purpose in their family lives. Through testimony and lived experience, speakers will explore the enduring relevance of the Proclamation and its divine guidance in navigating family roles, challenges, and joys. This spiritually enriching session will strengthen students and colleagues alike in their efforts to build gospel-centered homes and live with confidence in the truths of God’s eternal plan.
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Associate Professor |
Associate Professor |
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Founding Families on the Teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ amidst Challenges
Description: This powerful session will explore how Christ-centered principles can guide families through adversity and facilitate healing, change, and lasting transformation. In honor of the 30th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," featured speakers will share professional insights and personal experiences that testify of the Savior’s central role in strengthening families during times of trial. Through both research and discipleship, they offer a compelling witness of the peace and resilience found in building family life on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
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Associate Professor |
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Panel: Establishing Successful Marriages and Families
Description: Rooted in the powerful declaration that “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ,” this session commemorates the 30th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" by exploring the essential principles that establish and sustain successful marriages and families. In a moderated panel, scholars will reflect on how faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities shape strong and joyful homes. Through research and testimony, panelists will offer insights that inspire gospel-centered living and a deeper commitment to building Christlike family relationships.
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1:00 PM - 3:50 PM SESSION | Education in Zion Auditorium
(B192 JFSB)
Sponsored by Religious Education at BYU
*Attendees are welcome to attend any of the following presentations as their schedule allows.
On September 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley introduced “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” reaffirming eternal truths about the family in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. For more than a decade, faculty from the Department of Church History & Doctrine have taught “The Eternal Family” course, grounded in the proclamation. In this session, these faculty will highlight how, through Jesus Christ, the divine truths taught in the family proclamation continue to be a source of loving guidance and divine strength for all of God’s children.
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
The Complementarity of Christ and the Family in the Father’s Plan of Salvation The family proclamation affirms our divine identity as “a spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents,” as well as our “potential for parenthood as husband and wife.” While this reminder offers comfort, it can also raise feelings of uncertainty given the realities of mortal life. With Jesus Christ and the family both central to Heavenly Father's loving plan, this presentation will highlight how keeping both the Savior and the family central in our lives will bless us with greater access to Heavenly Father’s loving mercy, divine strength, and eternal guidance.
Associate Professor | The Family Proclamation: A Key to Joy in This Life and Our Destiny in the Life to Come The doctrine of the family sometimes feels exclusive or as a burden to be born. In reality, the doctrine of the family is based on our eternal nature which as Alma 41:11 explains is the nature of happiness. The reality that few if any families fully approach the "ideal" in this life does not negate the joy God bestows on us as we center our lives on that eternal ideal. We are all more likely to experience joy in this life as we do so and prepare for a fulness of joy in the next life.
Professor |
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Thinking Celestial about Heavenly Father’s Family-Centered Plan The "Family: A Proclamation to the World" declares Christ’s doctrine on the eternal nature and destiny of all individuals and families. This timely yet timeless prophetic document helps us “think celestial” and avoid crises of meaninglessness on one hand and discouraging outcome-fatigue on the other.
Professor | Bound by Love, Prepared by Covenant Covenant marriage does not begin at the altar—it is prepared through every covenant that comes before. This presentation shows how the path of earlier covenants prepares couples to embrace the promises and responsibilities of eternal marriage.
Assistant Professo |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
By Divine Design: Mothers and Fathers, Complementarity and Equal Partnership The Proclamation on the Family offers a radical view of the relationship between women and men – a divine pattern of complete equality, grounded in distinction and complementarity. The value of our unique, yet equal stewardships is remarkably evidenced in research on the influence of mothers and fathers on children’s development. This presentation will describe how this gives us a window into the eternal order of heaven.
Associate Professor | By Divine Design: The Stewardship of Gender and Sexuality This presentation explores how consecration and stewardship provide a higher framework for understanding sexuality and gender. Seen as sacred trusts, they shape our identity, discipleship, and connection with others in ways that reflect celestial principles.
Assistant Professor |
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CLOSING ADDRESS |
Education in Zion Auditorium
(B192 JFSB)
Sponsored by the School of Family Life and Religious Education at BYU
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Professor, Religious Education
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*Inquiries regarding the conference can be directed to Byran Korth or Barbara Morgan Gardner