SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that young women who choose to serve a full-time mission can now begin their service at age 18, effective immediately.
The decision by the First Presidency aligns the age requirement for young women with that of young men, who are asked to serve at age 18 following high school graduation or its equivalent.
The change provides a new option for service for young women globally, but the Church reiterated that missionary service remains an optional opportunity for young women.
Previously, young women could not begin missionary service until they reached the age of 19. The new policy gives young women the flexibility to decide when to begin their service, whether immediately after high school graduation or at a later time.
In a news release, the First Presidency wrote, “While the Lord asks every worthy, able young man as part of his priesthood responsibility to prepare for and serve a mission, we reiterate that missionary service remains an optional opportunity for young women. We recognize that for those young women who desire to serve a full-time mission, the choice of age to begin service will not be the same for everyone.”
The First Presidency concluded its announcement by extending love to the youth of the Church and commending them for their faithfulness. The change is expected to impact the number of women serving in the Church’s global missionary force.