On November 21, 2025, a significant change was announced that will impact young women within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The First Presidency updated the age requirement for young women wishing to serve as full-time missionaries, moving the minimum age from 19 to 18.
This decision elicited widespread excitement across various platforms, including seminary classrooms, social media, and family group chats. Young women and church leaders alike expressed their enthusiasm for this change, which has been sought after through extensive counsel and guidance.
Following the announcement, four key leaders from the Church addressed media representatives to discuss the implications of this adjustment. Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Missionary Department, noted the remarkable potential of sister missionaries. He stated, “The sister missionaries are remarkable, and if a young woman chooses to serve, we know that they can be capable and ready to serve at 18.”
Alongside Elder Bassett, Elder Matthew S. Holland, General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Church Communication Department, President Emily Belle Freeman, the Young Women General president and a member of the Missionary Executive Council, and Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary general presidency and also a member of the Missionary Executive Council, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the blessings this new policy may bring not just to the women serving but to the Church at large.
Sister Wright highlighted the power of unity in their missionary efforts, stating, “When men and women are united in the cause of Jesus Christ, miracles happen. And that is what we are seeing with this missionary force is mighty, mighty miracles.”
The change in age requirement signifies a new chapter for young women in the Church, expanding opportunities for service and engagement in missionary work, which is viewed as crucial in furthering the Church’s mission globally.
