Crusader for straight families: M. Russell Ballard
Elder Ballard Connects Joseph Smith, the Proclamation on the Family
Does Joseph Smith Add “Clarity” to the Proclamation?

by Jason Clark
November 2005

Weeks after denouncing same-sex marriage in General Conference, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve continued his anti-gay crusade on November 5 as he spoke about Joseph Smith at the Sons of Utah Pioneers Historical Symposium.

According to a story published in the Deseret News, "Elder Ballard read from the church's 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World,' and said the only reason there is an organization on earth today that can make such declarations—such as the eternal nature of souls and the fundamental principles of gender and families—is because of Smith's work."

"'Now the world is spinning in confusion, in confusion of gender and same-gender relationships,' he said. But Smith's teachings, and the teachings of the church he founded, give 'clarity' to believers and a knowledge of a premortal and post mortal existence, Elder Ballard said."

Elder Ballard forgot to mention that Joseph Smith introduced the eternal principle of polygamy, secretly married some 33 women, and had a rocky relationship with his first wife Emma.


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