This week I learned about equality in marriage. The Proclamation teaches, “Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.” [i] One great way to have an equal partnership is to have a weekly family council. In this meeting, spouses and families meet together “to discuss family problems, work out finances, make plans, support and strengthen [each other], and pray for one another and for the family unit.”[ii]

Let’s think about how a few of these things promote equality:

First, discussing family problems in family council allows each member of the family to have a voice. For instance, a wife and husband may both be overwhelmed by their many activities. School, work, church callings, cooking, cleaning, and family obligations can be taxing. During family council, they can discuss their many endeavors and seek to find a way to share the load. As they seek each other’s counsel on the matter and make united decisions, their marriage is strengthened.

Second, creating and following a budget and going over the budget during family council promotes unity. Since money is one of the largest contributors to marital discord, working out finances together can also strengthen the marriage.  Husband and wife should have an equal say on how money should be spent and saved. They both have an obligation to live within the budget for the welfare of their family. During family council, they go over their expenses from the week before and plan for upcoming expenses. As they prayerfully consider how to allocate their funds, they will have financial peace of mind.

Third, making plans together (especially fun ones) encourages unity. Gone are the days that dad planned the family vacation and mom and the kids went along for the ride. That was my generation. During family council, planning outings and vacations can be a great way to create unity. Plans are formed, assignments are given, and each person contributes. In subsequent family councils, each person reports on how their assignment is going. Encouragement can be given if something difficult arises. Regardless, as both husband and wife work together, the load is equalized and the family is strengthened.

As you can see, family council encourages couples to share responsibilities. It helps them both feel valued and know that their opinion matters. As couples begin to regularly hold family council, they will “be more successful and happy in [their] precious relationships.”[iii]

---

[i] The Family: A Proclamation to the World. (1995, November). Retrieved May 25, 2019, from https://www.lds.org/study/ensign/1995/11/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

[ii] Ballard, R. M. (2016, May). Family Councils. Retrieved May 25, 2019, from https://www.lds.org/study/liahona/2016/05/saturday-afternoon-session/family-councils.p1?lang=eng

[iii] Ballard, R. M. (2016, May). Family Councils.