A Sacred Duty

by Ester Rasband, Richard Wilkins

Recounts the exciting true story of how Richard Wilkins, as a delegate at an important UN conference, used the principles of the First Presidency's proclamation to defend the traditional family against a vigorous, modern-day attack. This engaging account offers readers an example of how the gospel and devoted individuals can affect the course of history and changes the hearts of humanity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, History, School

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Apzmarshl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Family Proclamation was first read during General Conference, I thought it was nice, and obvious. Not much later, I was in the middle of forming my own eternal family by planning my wedding. At the same time, Richard Wilkins, a BYU law professor, used this miraculous document in the most amazing push for traditional family at the UN. This was an amazing story of miracles and family advocacy. International law and policy shapes our individual freedoms much more than we are aware. Those that advocate for families may be small, but God works miracles through the few that are willing to work with Him.

[Ranee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this account of this miraculous brave man and his associates! The family is under attack so much and needs champions to help defend it!

[Haley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have been better with just his point of view. Good message, bad delivery.

[Rashelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and insightful. A must read for anyone who values family and wants to understand the dangers and agenda of UN conferences and how they effect the everyday citizen.

[Lauren Wilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family is important guys.

This seemed so obvious growing up. Whenever I heard someone talk about it’s importance I thought, “well duh.”

But it’s amazing how society’s view of traditional families in general has shifted, and I don’t think “well duh” anymore. I want to shout my “amen” and do my part to defend it.

This is a true story of how one man had divine help in defending traditional families in the United Nations. I recommend to all.

The easiest way to find a copy is to down load the Deseret Book app, sign up for Plus (the cost would be cheaper than the book and you can cancel whenever—but you’d also have access to a ton of great content so you might not want to), and read it on your phone. It’s a quick read, and all the documents he mentions are included in the appendix.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was invited to read this book in preparation for a meeting I am planning to take to the UN in March 2018. Mostly, I hope my trip is not this exhausting! I admire Dr. Wilkins for his devotion, dedication, and inspiration. This story is very interesting and a quick read that gives one person's perspective regarding some of the animosity reportedly in existence toward the traditional family at places like the UN and other global councils, conferences, and gatherings. I have seen other examples of this animosity, such as when i watched Mother Teresa's 1985 UN speech, so I know it is real. The book is just a little overdramatic for me in some places. But it is worth reading.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about a BYU law professor's fight for principles found in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" at a UN conference in 1996. However, I would have enjoyed it much more if the entire story had been told in Professor Richard Wilkins' words rather than having short excerpts of his narrative sprinkled throughout the book. It was striking to realize while reading this how much the world's values have changed even since this event happened and events that have taken place to steer the world's opinion on the family unit.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sacred Duty is about a man who starts single-handedly to stand-up include for the traditional family alongside the women's issues being being put forth. The Habitat II Conference in Istanbul was held in the winter of 1996. Everyone should read this book, it's only 150 pages. Richard Wilkins fought a hard battle that left him working night and day, and at one point he went three days without sleep or food. He fought for the underdog, unrepresented women who chose motherhood, and families who wanted to raise their families in a family unit.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an incredibly interesting read. His story of how he comes to the UN and all the small little miracles that let him to a path he was not trying to be on. It is kind of a must read for anyone who wants to make a difference in any aspect of the world. No matter your passion or topic, I think this book is really good insight and example of what some people fight against. I also think it's incredibly useful for people who don't have concern with the UN. His story is very very common for people who I have spoken and worked with and such.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first the book's writing style of two authors switching off was really distracting and I anticipated giving the book a lower rating. But as I went on, the story and the subject matter became so fascinating that I got over the writing style, and it is a book I've been pondering during and after reading.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A generally easy read, though it makes more sense if you have attended the UN yourself. Everyone should read it. Let it inspire you and give you hope that we are on God’s team! This is not a hopeless cause, because God is in the midst of it.

What happens at the UN does affect life domestically. It is imperative to understand and to use your voice.

[Catherine Buhler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a class that i am in. I thought it was intriguing and inspiring but a little hard to follow. I love how he turned towards the proclamation to state what he believes in, in a political setting.

[Thara Tenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated reading this short story. What courage it took for this BYU law professor to stand for the family unit at the United Nations. I will be recommending this to my children.

I gave it a 4 star because I could tell this was not written by an English major. ;)

[Breeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my Child and Family Advocacy class and really appreciated this account in connection with the content we're learning this semester. I liked the writing style of the book. Definitely helped keep me engaged with such big topics as international law and policy and defending the family.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening book about how the UN has been shaping gender and families for decades now, and the story of one man who worked to defend the traditional family. I wish it had been updated almost 25 years later.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I read this for a college class, and I gained a better understanding and perspective of the the UN and how special interest groups influence programs, policies, and bills.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to help remind us to look at our lives to see what we are doing on our part to defend the traditional family.

[Brenna Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This book is short, but highlights the importance of standing up for the family. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed a lot of it, but I love the overall message

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the multiple view points were redundant and distracting, the experience was amazing, and it completely made up for the mediocre delivery.

So inspiring and motivating!

[Rose Quito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really inspiring

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for school

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sacrifices made by the men and women fighting for the traditional family are impressive. It’s a fight we should all be fighting.

[Makayla Blackford Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

i hate to read this for a school assignment. it is such a good reminder of how many small things can accomplish great things! also to remind me to be a better child and family advocate!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book, so many interesting things to think about. I almost cried several times. Just a quote I wanted to post from the book (pg. 101). They are talking about choices we make in life: "We choose, of course, but it's more like we make one grand choice and then after that we simply follow where that leads us, and we have no more choice becasue we've yielded it already. That first grand choice is between comfort and growth; because the choice for growth means that we must make subsequent choices that make us uncomfortable."

Thank you Jonna for a great book recommendation!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very short book written by someone who is a friend of my parents whom I knew growing up. He is explaining an experience he had attending an international conference on the family. I loved hearing about the way the Lord lead him through the event. I also appreciated hearing his perspective on the sacrifices that he made and the lessons that he learned. Richard was quietly and directly called by the Lord to do and important job. No one would have known if he had not responded. But he did respond. It is an inspiration to me to know that this happens; probably more often than I realize.

[Wendee Radmall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew there was so much corruption in the United Nations until I read this account of a group who fought against the corruption in order to protect families. I was inspired by the miraculous events that occurred to help this important effort. It provided evidence to me that God cares about His children in every nation and when we gather in His name and for his purposes, He is there to help us.

I read this for a college class, but would recommend it to anyone who cares about families and wants to make a difference for good in the world.

[Celestia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry twice while reading. It is a true story of one man fulfilling his mission to fight for the family. It gives eye-opening info about the history of the U.N. I got to meet one of the characters in the book in person and hear her story. This is a must-read for every believer in the natural family.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a difference one person can make in changing the world! This is an incrediable story that few know about. Professor Wilkins has accomplished so much in championing the family world-wide. Great read.