The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a significant policy change regarding missionary service for women. As of now, young women can begin serving full-time missions at 18 years old, following their high school graduation.
New Mission Policy for Women
This policy adjustment was disclosed by the First Presidency of the church. The decision allows women to choose their age of initiation for service, though missionary work remains voluntary for them. Previously, women were required to be 21 years old to begin missionary service.
Historical Context
For several decades, the age for men to serve missions was set at 19, while women had to wait until they turned 21. In 2012, significant changes were made when President Thomas S. Monson announced a new minimum age for both genders. This adjustment allowed men to start at 18 and women at 19, a shift from the long-held policy since the early 1950s.
Growing Number of Missionaries
The church is currently witnessing an increase in the number of individuals serving as missionaries. As of now, the total of missionaries has risen from 65,000 at the end of 2022 to over 84,000. This surge includes service and teaching missionaries, along with senior missionaries.
Global Missionary Efforts
- Missionaries are active in more than 150 countries.
- They teach in over 60 different languages.
Furthermore, the church plans to adjust mission boundaries, aiming to create 55 new missions by July 1, 2026. This will bring the total number of missions to 506. President Dallin H. Oaks expressed his admiration for the rising number of young church members eager to share their faith globally.
Baptism and Growth
Oaks highlighted that these missionaries positively impact countless lives, resulting in thousands of baptisms annually. This development emphasizes the church’s commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively.
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