Relief Society Declaration and Purpose


In Sept. 1999, under Pres. Mary Ellen Smoot’s Presidency, we were given a declaration that encompassed all the ideals, goals, and purposes of the Relief Society.   

The declaration lists all of the good works established as Relief Society sisters. And as individual RS presidencies organize the women under them, it would serve them well to draw from this list.

We are encouraged to go to our Bishops and align goals and purposes with the High Priest Quorum. But, inspiration plays an important role here as all leaders have the right to follow the direction they receive. The Priesthood leaders would be wise to invite the sisters to speak up and share their concerns and together they fulfill the needs of their ward.

The purposes of Relief Society, from the beginning were originally outlined in The Minute Book, which came about from the meetings held in Nauvoo. In particular, the meetings where Joseph Smith spoke to the women of eternal perspectives is of importance.

Pres. Smoot used this early record to formulate the Declaration. Pres. Julie Beck created a three-word package that explains clearly why our Relief Society organization exists and what we are to focus on:

Faith

Family

Service

Most recently, Pres. Linda Burton gathered these three words into a single Purpose statement:

Relief Society helps prepare women for the blessings of eternal life as they increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement; strengthen individuals, families, and homes through ordinances and covenants; and work in unity to help those in need.

 

Our motto was created by Pres. Emmeline Wells:       Charity Never Faileth

Relief Society colors were formally adopted by Pres. Louise Robison: Blue and Gold

We owe much to our RS presidencies over the years. They have led us and guided us to always remember what Joseph Smith originally told the women,

Sisters of this Society, shall there be strife among you? I will not have it–you must repent and get the love of God. Away with self righteousness. The best measure or principle to bring the poor to repentance is to administer to their wants–the Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls.