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Latter-day Saint Church Opens Ward Sunday School Presidencies to Women

A handbook update gives bishops additional latitude to improve instruction under single-gender presidency rules.

Overview

  • The First Presidency authorized bishops to call either a man or a woman as ward Sunday School president effective immediately.
  • Counselors and the secretary must match the president’s gender, and male presidents must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  • The change applies to wards and branches worldwide, affecting nearly 32,000 congregations.
  • Stake and general Sunday School presidencies remain male in keeping with existing priesthood assignments.
  • Updated handbook guidance is online and slated for the Gospel Library app within days, with leaders saying the move aims to strengthen teaching as local bishops decide whom to call.