To improve teaching and learning in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency has broadened Sunday School leadership opportunities. Sunday School presidencies in wards can now be composed entirely of women or of men.
“The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have determined that, effective immediately, the bishop may call a man or a woman to serve as ward Sunday School president,” the First Presidency said in a letter to Church leaders worldwide on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. “If a man is called as Sunday School president, he must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and his counselors and secretary must be male members of the ward. If a woman is called as Sunday School president, her counselors and secretary must be female members of the ward.”
The First Presidency taught that local leaders should “seek the guidance of the Spirit in determining whom to call.”
“In any given ward, Sunday School presidencies may at times be composed of men and at other times of women, based on circumstances in the unit and the inspiration of leaders,” they said.
The March 18 update to the Church’s “General Handbook” reflects this adjustment. These updates are online and will appear in the Gospel Library app in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Read the full announcement at Church Newsroom.
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