Why is family history work so important?

Adapted from “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 24–27.

David A. Bednar

Why is family history work so important?

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared that our “greatest responsibility in this world … is to seek after our dead.”1

Family history is a vital part of the work of salvation and exaltation.


I invite the youth of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah.2

I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the temple for your kindred dead.


Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase.

You will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives.


Show References


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  2.   2.

    See Doctrine and Covenants 2:1–2.