The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has endorsed the worldwide designation of 1994 as the International Year of the Family.
In a statement, the highest governing body of the church, which has 8.7 million members in some 150 nations and territories, said:"We note with interest that 1994 has been designated the International Year of the Family. We join in this recognition of the importance of the family. The strength of any nation lies in the strength of its families. Our Heavenly Father intends that the greatest happiness and deepest joys should come in our associations and our concerns for one another as fathers, mothers and children.
"Strong family life comes of the perception that each of us is a child of God, born with a divine birthright and with unlimited potential. Strong family life comes from parents who love and respect one another, who teach and nurture their children in the ways of the Lord, instilling within them the time-honored values of honesty, integrity, industry and service.
"It is our hope that all citizens will give thanks for and strive to build righteous and caring families."