To enhance teaching and learning within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency has expanded Sunday School leadership roles. Ward Sunday School presidencies can now consist solely of either women or men.
“The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have decided, effective immediately, that a bishop may appoint a man or a woman as the ward Sunday School president,” the First Presidency stated in a letter to Church leaders worldwide on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. “If a man is chosen as Sunday School president, he must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and his counselors and secretary must be men from the ward. If a woman is selected as Sunday School president, her counselors and secretary must be women from the ward.”
The First Presidency instructed that local leaders should “seek guidance from the Spirit in deciding whom to call.”
“In any given ward, Sunday School presidencies may at times consist of men and at other times of women, depending on the unit’s circumstances and the leaders’ inspiration,” they stated.
The March 18 update to the Church’s “General Handbook” incorporates this change. These updates are available online and will be included in the Gospel Library app within the next 24 to 48 hours.
“This significant change provides bishoprics with more options as they prayerfully consider who should lead the teaching and learning efforts in their wards,” said Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson. “When we were called as Sunday School leaders in 2024, the First Presidency charged us, as with previous presidencies, to improve teaching and learning in the Church. Many capable women and men can enhance gospel instruction and promote spiritual growth.”
The function of the ward Sunday School presidency remains unchanged. Each ward’s Sunday School presidency (a president and, if needed, two counselors and a secretary) aids Latter-day Saints in learning, living, and sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ. The stake Sunday School president will continue to be a Melchizedek Priesthood holder and a member of the high council.
As Church members advance into another year of teaching and learning, Sunday School General Advisory Council member Sara Daniela Acosta highlighted the spiritual benefits of this change.
Sister Acosta, a Canadian residing in Provo, Utah, who works in language training at the Provo Missionary Training Center, stated, “Whether led by men or women, Sunday School presidencies will continue to help members learn together, teach one another, grow in faith, and draw closer to their Savior.”
Members are encouraged to engage in daily gospel teaching and learning using the 2026 Old Testament “Come, Follow Me” materials.
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