Equal Partnership in Families: A Divine Design


In The Family: A Proclamation to the World, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared:


"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. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."


This statement beautifully illustrates that within a family, men and women are meant to stand side by side, complementing one another’s strengths and working together to create a home centered on gospel principles.


What Does Equal Partnership Look Like?


Many misunderstand the term "equal partnership," assuming it means an identical division of roles or responsibilities. However, equal does not mean identical. In God's plan, men and women have divinely appointed roles, yet they are expected to work together to build a strong, unified family. In both traditional and blended families, including those with step-parents, the principles of love, respect, and unity remain central to fostering an equal partnership.


President Jean B. Bingham, in her talk "United in Accomplishing God’s Work" (October 2020 General Conference), stated:

"When we as women and men work together as equal partners in our homes, communities, and congregations, we fulfill our divine potential and prepare to meet God."

This principle applies to all family situations, whether in a first marriage, a blended family, or a step-parenting role.


Scriptural Foundations of Equal Partnership


The Lord has provided guidance on the sacred relationship between husband and wife. Here are three scriptural references that emphasize equal partnership:


Genesis 2:18 – "And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

From the beginning, God created woman as a help meet—not as a subordinate but as a companion and partner in life and family.


Ephesians 5:25 – "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."


Paul teaches that the relationship between husband and wife should be one of love, sacrifice, and mutual respect, not of dominance or control.


Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-42 – "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained... only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned."

In any leadership role, including within a family, there is no room for unrighteous dominion. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that families should be led by love and mutual respect.


Step-Parenting and Equal Partnership


For step-parents, the principle of equal partnership may require even greater patience, communication, and faith. When entering an already established family structure, it is crucial to build relationships based on trust and love, rather than attempting to immediately assert authority.

Successful step-parenting within an equal partnership means:

Respecting existing parental roles while also providing support and love.

Communicating openly with a spouse about discipline, family rules, and expectations.


Ensuring children feel valued and heard as relationships grow.

  • Relying on the Lord to help navigate the complexities of blended family dynamics.



The family is central to God’s plan, and He has designed it so that men and women, including step-parents, can work together in love and unity. As we strive to follow the counsel given in The Family: A Proclamation to the World, and as we turn to scripture and modern-day prophets, we can strengthen our families, regardless of their structure.

True equal partnership in marriage and parenting means seeking the Spirit, working together, and honoring the divine roles given to both men and women.

As we embrace these principles, we will create homes of peace, love, and righteousness, places where all family members feel valued, supported, and deeply loved.