The Sacred Responsibilities of Fathers

“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.”

Proclamation, ¶ 7

A Context for Concern about Fatherhood in the U.S.

35--40% of children do not have a resident biological father (25 million)

About 40% of children without a resident biological father have not seen him in a year.

About 33% of children are born to unwed parents; about 25% of these parents cohabit.

About 50% of nonresident fathers have responsibilities for 2 or more sets of children; about 25% of these fathers have responsibilities for three or more sets of children; about 25% of nonresident fathers pay no child support; the likelihood of paying support (and “visiting”) decrease if they are responsible for another set of children.

Children who live without regular contact with their biological father are:> 5 x in poverty> 2 x commit crime> 2 x drop out of school> 2+ x substance abuse> 2 x experience abuse> more likely to become pregnant/impregnate as teens

(for more info see National Center for Fathering, www.fathers.com and National Fatherhood Initiative, www.fatherhood.org)

Preside

Leadership style implications

Requirement of “presence” “Love is spelled t-i-m-e.”

National Center for Fathering

1996 Gallup Pole: "Most fathers know what is going on in their children’s lives.“

Strongly agree 4.0%Agree 38.7%Disagree 47.8%Strongly disagree 6.2%

Provide

“necessities of life” (¶ 7)

“We all eat too much, war too much, and work too much. Brigham says if we all “work less, wear less, eat less,…we shall be a great deal wiser, healthier,and wealthier people than by taking the course we do now.” Hugh Nibley, Approaching Zion

“physical and spiritual needs” (¶ 6)

Protect

Emphasis over other potential duties

Multiple meanings“Sacred covenants and ordinances provide the protection of God’s presence and blessings.”

(Text, pg. 69)

Fighting Fatherlessness

What are the obstacles to father involvement?

How can women (wives, mothers, etc.) encourage and support father involvement?

How can children encourage and support their father’s involvement?

How can others (church, community, employers) encourage and support father involvement?