General Conference - October 2012

The talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks still is prominent in my thoughts and heart.

"Protect the Children"

"I speak from the perspective of the gospel of Jesus Christ, including His plan of salvation  Taht is my calling. Local Church leaders have responsibility for a single jurisdiction, like a ward or stake, but an Apostle is responsible to witness to the entire world.  In every nation, of every race and creed, all children are children of God.

Although I do not speak in terms of politics or public policy, like other Church leaders, I cannot speak for the welfare of children without implications for the choices being made by citizens, public officials, and workers in private organizations.  We are all under the Savior's command to love and care for each other and especially for the weak and defenseless.

Children are highly vulnerable.  They have little or no power to protect or provide for themselves and little influence on so much that is vital to their well-being. Children need others to speak for them, and they need decision makers who put their well-being ahead of selfish adult interests."

....

"We also need politicians, policy makers, and officials to increase their attention to what is best for children in contrast to the selfish interests of voters and vocal advocates of adult interests."

www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/protect-the-children?lang=eng