A recent update to the General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened new leadership opportunities for women at the ward level, allowing bishops to call either a man or a woman to serve as ward Sunday School president.
In a letter sent to Church leaders worldwide on March 18, 2026, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the change.
“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.”
Under the updated guidelines, 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 will be female members of the ward.
Church leaders emphasized that local leaders should seek inspiration when extending such callings.
“Local leaders should seek the guidance of the Spirit in determining whom to call.”
New Possibilities in Wards Worldwide
With nearly 32,000 congregations worldwide, the change means that thousands of women could potentially serve in Sunday School presidencies for the first time.
“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,” the First Presidency stated.
The change is reflected in the March 18 update to the Church’s General Handbook. The revised material is now available online and will appear in the Gospel Library app within the next several days.
Strengthening Gospel Teaching
Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson noted that the adjustment expands the options bishops have when considering who can best strengthen gospel learning in their congregations.
“This important change gives bishoprics additional options as they prayerfully consider who should lead the effort of teaching and learning in their wards,” Johnson said.
He added that when the current Sunday School general presidency was called in 2024, the First Presidency invited them to help improve teaching and learning throughout the Church.
“There are many capable women and men who can help strengthen gospel instruction and foster spiritual growth,” he said.
Part of a Broader Pattern
The change comes during a period of continuing adjustments designed to strengthen home-centered gospel learning and ward participation.
In 2018, the Church shifted to a two-hour Sunday meeting schedule, with Sunday School classes now held twice a month in conjunction with the Come, Follow Me curriculum. That adjustment emphasized gospel study both in the home and in church.
Over the past decade, women have also been given expanded opportunities to participate in Church service and leadership in various ways. These include serving as official witnesses for baptisms and temple sealings, participating in Church executive councils, and serving as chaplains and sister training leaders in missionary work.
Church leaders have consistently emphasized the importance of women’s voices in ward councils, where they counsel with bishops and priesthood leaders to help guide the work of the ward.
Continuing Roles of Service
Women already lead the worldwide organizations of Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary at ward, stake, and general levels. The new handbook adjustment provides an additional way for women to contribute their leadership and teaching gifts in ward Sunday School.
Stake Sunday School presidencies and the general Sunday School presidency will continue to be filled by men who hold the priesthood.
Still, the new option for ward Sunday School presidencies reflects a growing recognition of the many faithful women and men who help strengthen teaching, learning, and spiritual growth in congregations across the Church.
As bishops seek guidance from the Spirit, the updated handbook provides additional flexibility to place capable leaders where they can best bless the members of their wards.
