Bonnie Dansie Parkin
2002-2007
When Bonnie D. Parkin was called to be 14th general
president of the Relief Society, she prayed to know what the women of the
Church needed. “I received a strong witness that we, His daughters, need to
know that He loves us,” she said. “We need to know that He sees the good in us.
Feeling His love encourages us to press forward, reassures us that we are His,
and confirms to us that He cherishes us even when we stumble and experience
temporary setbacks.”1
“As members of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our blessing and our responsibility to
nurture and sustain the family unit,” taught Sister Parkin. “Everyone belongs
to a family, and every family needs to be strengthened and protected.
Before serving as general president of the Relief Society,
Bonnie served on the Relief Society general board under Elaine L. Jack,
chairing a committee dedicated to helping young women transition into Relief
Society. This calling carried over into her own Relief Society administration
as she worked tirelessly to help young sisters feel comfortable and of value in
Relief Society. In 1994 Bonnie was called to serve as second counselor to
Janette C. Hales in the Young Women general presidency. In 1997 the Parkins
moved to England
“If I could have one thing happen for parents
and leaders of this Church,” she said, “it would be that they feel the love of
the Lord in their lives each day as they care for Heavenly Father’s children. …
I invite you, in all of your dealings, to put on the mantle of charity, to
envelop your family in the pure love of Christ.”
