Eternal Marriage-Multiply and Replenish The Covenant of Eternal Marriage. The covenant is declared in D&C 19:19-21 The Ordinance of Eternal Marriage is a New and Everlasting Covenant of the Gospel. D&C 132:4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory. Obedience to Law essential to receive the blessings D&C 132:5-6: For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world. And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God. And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: Conditions of the Law of Eternal marriage D&C 132: 7: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead. Eternal Marriage must be performed by those who are duly appointed D&C 132:8-12: Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion. Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord that is not made in my name? Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed? And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, except it be by law, even as I and my Father ordained unto you, before the world was? I am the Lord thy God; and I give unto you this commandment that no man shall come unto the Father but by me or by my word, which is my law, saith the Lord. All things not done by the authority of God will not remain after this life D&C 132: 13-14: And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God. For whatsoever 1
things remain are by me; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed. Only marriage for eternity by the correct authority will be recognised after this life D&C 132:15-18: Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world. Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory. For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God. Those sealed for Eternity by those correctly appointed and continue faithful shall become Gods D&C 132: 19-20: And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths then shall it be written in the Lamb s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them. 2
Once again obedience to law essential to receive the blessings is emphasized D&C 132: 21-25: Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory. For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me. But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also. This is eternal lives to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law. Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in there at, because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law. Note: In the actual ceremony of eternal Marriage it states that the blessings are contingent on continued faithfulness: All these blessings, together with all the blessings appertaining unto the new and everlasting covenant, I seal upon you by virtue of the holy priesthood, through your faithfulness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The ceremony is stated as being performed In the presence of God, angels, and these witnesses Quotes on Eternal Marriage Elder F Burton Howard April 2003 Conference The prophets have uniformly taught that the consummate and culminating element of God s great plan for the blessing of His children is eternal marriage. President Ezra Taft Benson stated, Faithfulness to the marriage covenant brings the fullest joy here and glorious rewards hereafter (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 533 34). President Howard W. Hunter described celestial marriage as the crowning gospel ordinance and clarified that while it might take somewhat longer [for some,] perhaps even beyond this mortal life, it would not be denied to any worthy individual (Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1997], 132, 140). To those who keep the covenant of marriage, God promises the fulness of His glory, eternal lives, eternal increase, exaltation in the celestial kingdom, and a fulness of joy. We all know that, but sometimes we don t give much thought to what we have to do to receive these blessings. The scriptures seem to clearly say that at least three obligations are inherent in this covenant. First, an eternal marriage is eternal. Eternal implies continuing growth and improvement. It means that man and wife will honestly try to perfect themselves. It means that the marriage relationship is not to be frivolously discarded at the first sign of disagreement or when times get hard. It signifies that love will grow stronger with time and that it extends beyond the grave. It means that each partner will be blessed with the company of the other partner forever and that problems and differences might as well be resolved because they are not going to go away. Eternal signifies repentance, forgiveness, long-suffering, patience, hope, 3
charity, love, and humility. All of these things are involved in anything that is eternal, and surely we must learn and practice them if we intend to claim an eternal marriage. Second, an eternal marriage is ordained of God. This means that the parties to the marriage covenant agree to invite God into their marriage, to pray together, to keep the commandments, to keep wants and passions within certain limits that the prophets have outlined. It means to be equal companions and to be just as true and pure outside the home as inside the home. That is part of what ordained of God means. Third, eternal marriage is a kind of partnership with God. He promises a continuation of lives to those who are sealed together in the temple. There is a oneness with the Creator implied in the commandment given to Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth. There is an obligation to teach children the gospel, for they are His children too. END Joseph Fielding Smith chapter 15 Eternal Marriage 2014 manual The fullness and blessings of the Priesthood and Gospel grow out of Celestial marriage. This is the crowning ordinance of the Gospel and crowning ordinance of the temple. What does marriage mean to members of the Church? It means that they are receiving in that ordinance the greatest, the crowning blessing, the blessing of eternal lives. Now that s the way the Lord puts it, eternal lives, which means not only will the husband and the wife enter into eternal life, but their children who were born under the covenant likewise will be entitled through their faithfulness to eternal lives. And further, that the husband and the wife after the resurrection of the dead will not come to an end. By that the Lord means that they will have a continuation of the seeds forever, and the family organization does not come to an end. In order to fulfill the purposes of our Eternal Father, there must be a union, husbands and wives receiving the blessings that are promised to those who are faithful and true that will exalt them to Godhood. A man cannot receive the fulness of the blessings of the kingdom of God alone, nor can the woman, but the two together can receive all the blessings and privileges that pertain to the fulness of the Father s kingdom. No faithful person will be deprived of the privilege of Eternal Marriage Furthermore, there are thousands of young men as well as young women, who have passed to the world of spirits without the opportunity of these blessings. Many of them have laid down their lives in battle; many have died in their early youth; and many have died in their childhood. The Lord will not forget a single one of them. All the blessings belonging to exaltation will be given them, for this is the course of justice and mercy. So with those who live in the stakes of Zion and in the shadows of our temples; if they are deprived of blessings in this life these blessings will be given to them during the millennium. No one can be deprived of exaltation who remains faithful. An undeserving husband cannot prevent a faithful wife from an exaltation and vice versa. END 4
Complete Fidelity expected by those who are sealed for eternity Joseph A. Cannon Mormon Times 12 Nov 2009 The concept of fidelity is enshrined in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World": "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." In a September 2009 Ensign article, "Fidelity in Marriage: It's More Than You Think," Kenneth W. Matheson, a professor at BYU, discusses various aspects of fidelity in marriage. He writes, "Physical infidelity is only one of the many temptations Satan uses to break up families and marriages. Emotional infidelity, which occurs when emotions and thoughts are focused on someone other than a spouse, is an insidious threat that can weaken the trust between a couple and shatter peace of mind." President Spencer W. Kimball famously said, "And, when the Lord says all thy heart, it allows for no sharing nor dividing nor depriving. The words none else (Doctrine and Covenants 42:22) eliminate everyone and everything. The spouse then becomes pre-eminent in the life of the husband or wife. And neither social life nor occupational life nor political life nor any other interest nor person nor thing shall ever take precedence over the companion spouse" (Faith Precedes the Miracle) Marriage which is ordained of God is a union between male and female for the main purpose of the continuation of the species, all to the Glory of God D&C 49:15-17: For marriage is ordained of God unto man. Wherefore it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation. And that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made. And that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made. D&C 83:2: Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken 4 Nephi 1:10-11: And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an exceedingly fair and delightsome people. And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them. Deuteronomy 24:5: When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: [but] he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. Marriage within the Faith 5
Genesis 24:3: And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: Genesis 28:1: And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Husbands D&C 42:22-23: Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out. Ephesians 5:25, 28: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it...so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 1 Peter 3:7: Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Wives D&C 25:5: And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant... thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness. D&C 25: 13-16: Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him. Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Ephesians 5:22-24: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 1 Peter 3:1-6: Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in 6
subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Moses 4:22: Unto the woman, I, the Lord God, said: I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children, and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Quotes on Marriage generally Taken from the Deseret News on Marriage 21 July 2014 see http://www.deseretnews.com/top/2045/5/first-observe-28-tips-for-every-mormon-couple- Marriage-advice-encouragement-from-LDS-leaders.html President Thomas S Monson "Choose your love " "Choose a companion carefully and prayerfully; and when you are married, be fiercely loyal one to another. Priceless advice comes from a small framed plaque I once saw in the home of an uncle and aunt. It read, 'Choose your love; love your choice.' There is great wisdom in those few words. Commitment in marriage is absolutely essential." Your wife is your equal. In marriage neither partner is superior nor inferior to the other. You walk side by side as a son and a daughter of God. She is not to be demeaned or insulted but should be respected and loved. President Gordon B. Hinckley: Any man in this Church who exercises unrighteous dominion over [his wife] is unworthy to hold the priesthood. Though he may have been ordained, the heavens will withdraw, the Spirit of the Lord will be grieved, and it will be amen to the authority of the priesthood of that man. 8 President Howard W. Hunter said this about marriage: Being happily and successfully married is generally not so much a matter of marrying the right person as it is being the right person. I like that. The conscious effort to do one s part fully is the greatest element contributing to success. If any of you are having difficulty in your marriage, I urge you to do all that you can to make whatever repairs are necessary, that you might be as happy as you were when your marriage started out. We who are married in the house of the Lord do so for time and for all eternity, and then we must put forth the necessary effort to make it so. I realize that there are situations where marriages cannot be saved, but I feel strongly that for the most part they can be and should be. Do not let your marriage get to the point where it is in jeopardy. Elder Russell M Nelson April 2006 Ensign But these things I do know: I know 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. I know that the earth was created and that the Lord s Church was restored so that families could be sealed and exalted as eternal entities. And I know that one of Satan s 7
cunning methods of undermining the work of the Lord is to attack the sacred institutions of marriage and the family. Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship. Yet some married couples fall short of their full potential. They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure the vision of what their marriage really could be. Marriages would be happier if nurtured more carefully. Marriage is the foundry for social order, the fountain of virtue, and the foundation for eternal exaltation. Marriage has been divinely designated as an eternal and everlasting covenant. Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness. That union is not merely between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God. Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other. Children born of that marital union are an heritage of the Lord. Marriage is but the beginning bud of family life; parenthood is its flower. And that bouquet becomes even more beautiful when graced with grandchildren. Families may become as eternal as the kingdom of God itself. Marriage is both a commandment and an exalting principle of the gospel. Because it is ordained of God, the intimate physical expressions of married love are sacred. Yet all too commonly, these divine gifts are desecrated. If a couple allows lewd language or pornography to corrupt their intimacy, they offend their Creator while they degrade and diminish their own divine gifts. True happiness is predicated upon personal purity. Scripture commands: Be ye clean. Marriage should ever be a covenant to lift husbands and wives to exaltation in celestial glory. Marriage was intended by the Lord to endure beyond physical death. His plan offers eternal perpetuation of the family in the Kingdom of God. His plan provides temples and opportunities to officiate therein for the living and the dead. A marriage sealed there launches a husband and wife into that grand order of unity so necessary to the perfection of God s work. Doctrines related to marriage include individual agency and accountability. All of us are accountable for our choices. Couples blessed with children are accountable to God for the care they give to their children. As I meet with priesthood leaders, I often ask about the priorities of their various responsibilities. Usually they mention their important Church duties to which they have been called. Too few remember their responsibilities at home. Yet priesthood offices, keys, callings, and quorums are meant to exalt families. Priesthood authority has been restored so that families can be sealed eternally. So brethren, your foremost priesthood duty is to nurture your marriage to care for, respect, honor, and love your wife. Be a blessing to her and your children. 8
With these doctrinal underpinnings in mind, let us consider the second step specific actions that would strengthen a marriage. I will offer sample suggestions and invite each couple privately to ponder them and adapt them as needed to their own particular circumstances. My suggestions use three action verbs: to appreciate, to communicate, and to contemplate. To appreciate to say I love you and thank you is not difficult. But these expressions of love and appreciation do more than acknowledge a kind thought or deed. They are signs of sweet civility. As grateful partners look for the good in each other and sincerely pay compliments to one another, wives and husbands will strive to become the persons described in those compliments. Suggestion number two to communicate well with your spouse is also important. Good communication includes taking time to plan together. Couples need private time to observe, to talk, and really listen to each other. They need to cooperate helping each other as equal partners. They need to nurture their spiritual as well as physical intimacy. They should strive to elevate and motivate each other. Marital unity is sustained when goals are mutually understood. Good communication is also enhanced by prayer. To pray with specific mention of a spouse s good deed (or need) nurtures a marriage. My third suggestion is to contemplate. This word has deep meaning. It comes from Latin roots: con, meaning with, and templum, meaning a space or place to meditate. It is the root from which the word temple comes. If couples contemplate often with each other in the temple sacred covenants will be better remembered and kept. Frequent participation in temple service and regular family scripture study nourish a marriage and strengthen faith within a family. Contemplation allows one to anticipate and to resonate (or be in tune) with each other and with the Lord. Contemplation will nurture both a marriage and God s kingdom. The Master said, Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. 17 I invite each marital partner to consider these suggestions and then determine specific goals to nurture your own relationship. Begin with sincere desire. Identify those actions needed to bless your spiritual unity and purpose. Above all, do not be selfish! Generate a spirit of selflessness and generosity. Celebrate and commemorate each day together as a treasured gift from heaven. President Harold B. Lee said that the most important of the Lord s work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes. And President David O. McKay declared, No other success can compensate for failure in the home. When you as husband and wife recognize the divine design in your union when you feel deeply that God has brought you to each other your vision will be expanded and your understanding enhanced. END 9
President Spencer W. Kimball "Some think of happiness as a glamorous life of ease, luxury, and constant thrills; but true marriage is based on a happiness which is more than that, one which comes from giving, serving, sharing, sacrificing, and selflessness." March 1977 Ensign Elder Richard G Scott "Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful." April 2011 Ensign Elder Robert D Hales Converse with each other, thereby never letting little things become big things." Oct 2009 Ensign President Gordon B Hinckley: I am satisfied that a happy marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one s companion. April 1991 Ensign Elder Dallin H Oaks: Both men and women need righteous desires that will lead them to eternal life. Let us remember that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. April 2011 ensign President Henry B Eyring: "It is only with the companionship of the Holy Ghost that we can hope to be equally yoked in a marriage free from discord. I have seen how that companionship is crucial for felicity in a marriage. The miracle of becoming one requires the help of heaven, and it takes time. Our goal is to live together forever in the presence of Heavenly Father and our Savior." Oct 2013 Ensign Elder L Tom Perry: "The sacred bonds of marriage invite unity, fidelity, respect, and mutual support." Elder Russell M Nelson "To appreciate to say 'I love you' and 'thank you' is not difficult. But these expressions of love and appreciation do more than acknowledge a kind thought or deed. They are signs of sweet civility. As grateful partners look for the good in each other and sincerely pay compliments to one another, wives and husbands will strive to become the persons described in those compliments." April 2006 Ensign Multiply and Replenish the Earth Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. See Moses 3:24 10
Genesis 3:16: Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Julie B. Beck the Relief Society General President recently encouraged members to keep the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth. She said: Mothers who know desire to bear children. Whereas in many cultures in the world children are becoming less valued, in the culture of the gospel we still believe in having children. Prophets, seers, and revelators who were sustained at this conference have declared that God s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. President Ezra Taft Benson taught that young couples should not postpone having children and that in the eternal perspective, children not possessions, not position, not prestige are our greatest jewels. Faithful daughters of God desire children. In the scriptures we read of Eve (see Moses 4:26), Sarah (see Genesis 17:16), Rebekah (see Genesis 24:60), and Mary (see 1 Nephi 11:13 20), who were foreordained to be mothers before children were born to them. Some women are not given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but just as Hannah of the Old Testament prayed fervently for her child (see 1 Samuel 1:11). The value women place on motherhood in this life and the attributes of motherhood they attain here will rise with them in the Resurrection (see D&C 130:18). Women who desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality. There is eternal influence and power in motherhood., Mothers Who Know, Oct 2007 General conference The First Presidency also admonished members to multiply and replenish the earth in the family Proclamation 1995 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. The Decline in the Birth Rate is now affecting Church Members The decline in the birth rate in the church is an indication of the pressure on Latter-day Saint couples who desire to keep the commandment of the Lord to multiply and replenish the earth. The soaring cost of purchasing property alone is creating a need in some instances for both parents to work. The rising costs of living are placing heavy burdens upon families. The church birth rate statistics indicate a trend of a decline despite a continuing large increase in membership. The increase of LDS children of record in 1982 was 124,000 but since that time the increase has progressively declined. Today there are approximately twice as many LDS members worldwide as in 1982, but the increase in children of record is only about 65% of what it was then. In the year 2000 the increase was 81,450 and in 2001 the number was 69,522 which was lower than any increase of children of record reported since 1973! 11
At a recent women s conference President Packer spoke of the lowering birth-rate throughout the world and its effect upon the Church: (Church News 13 May 2006) "An aging population can neither work to sustain the people nor fight to protect them," he added. The trend is even seen in the Church. "Worldwide, the birth-rate of Church members is only slightly higher than the world at large. Like the rest of the population, members of the Church must suffer the consequences of these trends. We face a particular set of issues because the pool from which missionaries are drawn is in steady decline." In an Area leadership meeting in England Elder Gerald N. Lund of the West Europe Area Presidency spoke of his concern for the falling birth rate in the church in Western Europe. He stated that between 1998-2002 the number of primary children had decreased by 36 per cent. He stated that this could result in major problems for the church youth of the future finding friends of the same values. Already the average number of active youth per ward in the Europe west Area was only seven. Area Leadership meeting at Chorley England on the 7 th May 2005 12