The basic principles of welfare—self-reliance and industry—remain the same today as when the Lord commanded Adam, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread" (Genesis 3:19).
In latter days the Lord has declared, "And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor" (D&C 104:16).
Welfare principles are at work in members' lives around the world as a daily principle in individual homes.
"The strength of the Church and the Lord's real storehouse is in the homes and hearts of his people," Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said.5
As individuals develop their own self-reliance through faith in Jesus Christ, the program's long-term objective, as defined by President Clark, continues to be fulfilled: "the building of character in the members of the Church, givers and receivers, rescuing all that is finest down deep inside of them, and bringing to flower and fruitage the latent richness of the spirit, which after all is the mission and purpose and reason for being of this Church."6
Presidents David O. McKay, Heber J. Grant, and J. Reuben Clark Jr. (left to right) of the First Presidency visit Welfare Square in 1940.
Whether making bread (above left), growing grapes (above right), or providing aid in some other way, the Church's welfare program aims to develop self-reliance through faith in Jesus Christ.
1.
David O. McKay, in Henry D. Taylor, The Church Welfare Plan, unpublished ms., Salt Lake City (1984), 26–27.
2.
Heber J. Grant, in Conference Report, Oct. 1933, 5.
3.
In James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols., (1965–75), 5:332–34.
4.
Heber J. Grant, in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 3.
5.
Robert D. Hales, "Welfare Principles to Guide Our Lives: An Eternal Plan for the Welfare of Men's Souls," Ensign, May 1986, 28.
6.
J. Reuben Clark Jr., in special meeting of stake presidents, Oct. 2, 1936.
© 2011 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.