To improve teaching and learning in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency has broadened Sunday School leadership opportunities. Sunday School presidencies in wards can now be composed entirely of women or of men.
“The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have determined that, effective immediately, the bishop may call a man or a woman to serve as ward Sunday School president,” the First Presidency said in a letter to Church leaders worldwide on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. “If a man is called as Sunday School president, he must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and his counselors and secretary must be male members of the ward. If a woman is called as Sunday School president, her counselors and secretary must be female members of the ward.”
The First Presidency taught that local leaders should “seek the guidance of the Spirit in determining whom to call.”
“In any given ward, Sunday School presidencies may at times be composed of men and at other times of women, based on circumstances in the unit and the inspiration of leaders,” they said.
The March 18 update to the Church’s “General Handbook” reflects this adjustment. These updates are online and will appear in the Gospel Library app in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“This important change gives bishoprics additional options as they prayerfully consider who should lead the effort of teaching and learning in their wards,” said Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson. “At the time of our call as Sunday School leaders in 2024, the First Presidency gave us a charge—as they have done with previous presidencies—to improve teaching and learning in the Church. There are many capable women and men who can help strengthen gospel instruction and foster spiritual growth.”
The role of the ward Sunday School presidency does not change. Each ward’s Sunday School presidency (a president and, if needed, two counselors and a secretary) helps Latter-day Saints learn, live, and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The stake Sunday School president will continue to be a Melchizedek Priesthood holder and member of the high council.
As Church members continue another year of teaching and learning, Sunday School General Advisory Council member Sara Daniela Acosta emphasized the spiritual benefits of the adjustment.
Sister Acosta, a Canadian living in Provo, Utah, who works in language training at the Provo Missionary Training Center, said, “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.”
Members can engage in daily gospel teaching and learning with the 2026 Old Testament “Come, Follow Me” materials.
