SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its policy regarding missionary service for women, allowing them to begin their missions at the age of 18. The First Presidency made this announcement on Friday, marking a significant change that takes effect immediately. Young women who complete high school and wish to serve a full-time mission can now do so at 18, reflecting an acknowledgment of individual choice in the timing of service.
In their statement, the church emphasized that while missionary service is a key responsibility for young men, it remains an optional opportunity for women. They acknowledged that the decision to serve can vary significantly among young women, reinforcing the importance of personal readiness and desire.
This policy shift comes just days after the church announced discontinuation of the Saturday evening session of the general conference, another notable change within the organization. Historically, the age for women to begin serving missions was set at 21, a practice that went unchanged from the early 1950s until 2012, when a previous adjustment allowed men to start their missions at 18 and women at 19.
Currently, the church is experiencing a surge in the number of missionaries actively serving. The total number of teaching and service missionaries has risen from 65,000 at the end of 2022 to over 84,000 today. Missionaries are engaged in service across more than 150 countries and are able to teach in more than 60 languages. Moreover, the church is planning to establish 55 new missions by July 1, 2026, which will elevate the total number of missions to 506.
President Dallin H. Oaks expressed encouragement about the growing participation of young church members in missionary work, highlighting that their efforts significantly impact countless lives, offering the message of the gospel to those seeking spiritual fulfillment.
This exciting change opens doors for many young women who feel called to share their faith earlier in their lives, fostering a spirit of service and dedication within the community. The church remains committed to supporting its members in their spiritual journeys, as they seek to serve and uplift those around them.