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What Are Priesthood Keys in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

An explanation of the authority to direct God's work on Earth and how it functions within Church leadership.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jul 20, 2026
Branched from The Succession of Leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Quick take
  • Priesthood keys are the authority to direct and govern the use of priesthood power.
  • They are held by specific leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not all priesthood holders.
  • Keys enable leaders to authorize ordinances and direct specific aspects of the Church's work within their defined stewardship.
  • All keys are ultimately held and directed by the President of the Church, who is the only one authorized to exercise them all.

Priesthood keys, within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are the authority given to specific leaders to direct, control, and govern the use of God's priesthood power on Earth. They are not the priesthood power itself, but rather the right to preside over and authorize its use for specific purposes and within specific geographical or organizational boundaries.

How Priesthood Keys Function

Priesthood power is available to worthy male members of the Church, allowing them to perform sacred ordinances like baptism or blessing the sick. However, the direction of that power—when, where, and by whom certain ordinances or activities can be performed—is governed by priesthood keys. For example, a bishop holds the keys to preside over a ward (a local congregation), which allows him to authorize baptisms for new members within that ward, or to call individuals to serve in various capacities.

These keys are always associated with a specific office or calling. An apostle, for instance, holds keys pertaining to the worldwide Church, while a stake president holds keys for his stake (a larger regional unit), and a bishop for his ward. When a person is called and set apart to a leadership position, they are given these keys. When they are released, the keys are returned to the one who extended the call.

The Central Role of the President of the Church

All priesthood keys on Earth, including those held by apostles, stake presidents, and bishops, ultimately flow from and are subordinate to the keys held by the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the only person on Earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys. This structure ensures unity and proper order within the Church, as all major decisions and the overall direction of the Church are guided by the prophet and president. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also hold all the keys of the kingdom, but they exercise them only under the direction of the President of the Church.

Priesthood keys are fundamental to the organization and functioning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They provide the divinely appointed structure for directing missionary work, temple ordinances, welfare efforts, and the spiritual guidance of members. Without these keys, the Church believes it would lack the authority to perform saving ordinances or to effectively lead God's people. They ensure that the Church's actions are in harmony with divine will and maintain order in its global operations.

Can women hold priesthood keys?
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, priesthood keys are held by men called to specific leadership positions. However, women exercise priesthood authority as they serve in callings under the direction of those who hold keys, such as Relief Society presidents or temple matrons.
Do all priesthood holders have keys?
No. While many male members hold the priesthood, only those called to specific leadership positions (like a bishop, stake president, or apostle) are given priesthood keys to direct the work within their defined stewardship.
What happens when a leader with keys dies or is released?
When a leader dies or is released from their calling, the priesthood keys associated with that office are automatically returned to the one who extended the call, or, in the case of the President of the Church, they revert to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who then reorganize the First Presidency. This ensures an unbroken chain of authority.
Are priesthood keys mentioned in the Bible?
The concept of priesthood keys is rooted in biblical passages, particularly Matthew 16:19, where Jesus tells Peter, "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand this to refer to the authority to direct God's work.
Explore further
How The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is OrganizedThe Role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the ChurchUnderstanding Priesthood Authority and Power in the ChurchThe Succession of Leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsWhat Are Temples and Why Are They Important to Latter-day Saints?

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