In a heart-stirring move that signals a deepening appreciation for the diverse gifts within our congregations, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a significant shift in local leadership. In a letter released this Wednesday, the First Presidency shared that women are now eligible to serve as Ward Sunday School presidents—a role previously reserved for Melchizedek Priesthood holders.
This change is more than just a policy update; it is an invitation for more of God’s children to bring their unique spiritual insights to the vital work of gospel instruction.
What This Means for Your Ward
The transition is effective immediately at the local level. Here is a quick look at how these new presidencies will be structured:
- Expanded Leadership: Bishops may now prayerfully call either a man or a woman to lead the Sunday School in their ward.
- Unified Presidencies: To maintain current administrative guidelines, presidencies will remain single-gender. If a woman is called as president, her counselors and secretary will also be women. Likewise, if a man is called, the presidency will remain all-male.
- Local Focus: For now, this change applies specifically to individual wards. Stake and General Sunday School presidencies will continue to be comprised of priesthood holders.
Strengthening the Heart of the Home and Church
The core mission of the Sunday School remains unchanged: to help us all come unto Christ through the diligent study of His word. Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson noted that this change provides Bishoprics with “additional options” as they seek inspired leaders to foster spiritual growth.
Sara Daniela Acosta, a member of the Sunday School General Advisory Council, beautifully captured the spirit of this announcement. She reminded us that regardless of who stands at the head, the goal is for members to “learn together, teach each other, grow in faith and draw closer to their Savior.”
A Step Toward Greater Inclusion
For many who have long felt that the administrative tasks of Sunday School—such as organizing classes and supporting teachers—could be capably handled by the sisters of the Church, this news is a reason to rejoice. While the Church continues to move in “baby steps,” as some observers note, each step forward is a testament to the ongoing Restoration and the belief that “He denieth none that come unto him” (2 Nephi 26:33).
As we see more of our sisters stepping into these leadership roles, we can look forward to a richer, more vibrant culture of learning where every voice is valued and every soul is nourished by the good word of God.
This is a developing story.
