First Presidency Expands Sunday School Leadership Opportunities to Include Women

LDS Gospel March 18, 2026

The announcement comes as members worldwide engage in the 2026 "Come, Follow Me" curriculum focusing on the Old Testament

SALT LAKE CITY — In a move designed to enhance gospel instruction and provide local leaders with greater flexibility, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Wednesday that women may now be called to serve in ward Sunday School presidencies.

The policy change, effective immediately, allows a bishop to call either a man or a woman to serve as the ward Sunday School president. According to an official letter sent to Church leaders worldwide on March 18, 2026, the composition of the presidency will depend on the gender of the president:

If a woman is called as president: Her counselors and secretary must also be female members of the ward.
If a man is called as president: He must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and his counselors and secretary must be male members of the ward.

The First Presidency emphasized that local leaders should seek spiritual guidance to determine the best fit for their specific units, noting that leadership may rotate between men and women over time based on local needs and inspiration.

Strengthening Teaching and Learning

Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson noted that the adjustment aligns with a 2024 mandate from the First Presidency to improve the quality of teaching and learning across the global Church.

"This important change gives bishoprics additional options as they prayerfully consider who should lead the effort of teaching and learning in their wards," President Johnson said. "There are many capable women and men who can help strengthen gospel instruction and foster spiritual growth."

While the leadership pool has expanded, the core responsibilities of the ward Sunday School presidency remain the same: overseeing the efforts of members to learn, live, and teach the gospel. The policy for stake-level leadership remains unchanged, where the stake Sunday School president will continue to be a Melchizedek Priesthood holder and a member of the high council.

Global Implementation

The Church’s General Handbook was updated on March 18 to reflect these changes. The digital updates are expected to appear in the Gospel Library app within 24 to 48 hours.

Sara Daniela Acosta, a member of the Sunday School General Advisory Council, highlighted the spiritual focus of the announcement. "Whether led by men or women, Sunday School presidencies will continue to help members learn together, teach each other, grow in faith, and draw closer to their Savior," she said.

The announcement comes as members worldwide engage in the 2026 "Come, Follow Me" curriculum focusing on the Old Testament.