The Evolving Landscape of Women's Leadership in the Latter-day Saint Church

Explore how women's roles and influence within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have changed and grown since its founding.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 7, 2026

Branched from The Role of Spiritual Gifts and Prophecy Among Early Latter-day Saint Women

Quick take

Women have held significant leadership roles in the Latter-day Saint Church since its earliest days, primarily through auxiliary organizations.
The Relief Society, founded in 1842, is the largest women's organization globally and a primary avenue for leadership.
While women do not hold priesthood office, they lead, teach, and make decisions within their organizations and contribute to church-wide councils.
Recent decades have seen increased visibility, voice, and formal participation for women in church administration and policy-making.

Women's leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refers to the structured roles and responsibilities women hold within the church's administration, congregations, and auxiliary organizations. While distinct from priesthood authority, these positions involve significant influence, decision-making power, teaching, and service, guiding millions of members worldwide.

Foundational Leadership and Early Influence

From its earliest days, women were integral to the functioning and growth of the Latter-day Saint Church. The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, founded in 1842 by Joseph Smith, was established to provide relief to the poor, strengthen faith, and promote virtue. Under leaders like Emma Smith, women managed significant charitable work, taught doctrine, and exercised spiritual gifts, including healing, often with public recognition and support from church leaders. This period saw women speaking publicly, publishing their writings, and actively participating in community building and spiritual instruction.

Structured Auxiliaries and Global Growth

As the Church grew globally in the 20th century, women's leadership became more formalized within auxiliary organizations. The Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary (for children) became key structures through which women served in local congregations, stakes (larger regional units), and at the general church level. Women lead these organizations, preside over meetings, teach classes, manage budgets, and organize service. The "Priesthood Correlation" movement of the mid-20th century sought to unify church programs under priesthood authority, which sometimes led to a perception of reduced autonomy for women's organizations, though their internal leadership structures remained robust.

Increased Voice and Broader Participation

The 21st century has brought significant shifts, enhancing the visibility and formal influence of women's leadership. Women now serve on all major church-wide councils, including those that previously consisted solely of men, offering their perspectives on policy and administration. They speak regularly in General Conference, the church's global broadcast, and have seen adjustments in temple ordinances to clarify women's authority. Additionally, women now serve in leadership positions alongside their husbands in mission presidencies and as leaders of proselyting sisters, signifying a broader integration of their leadership capabilities across various church functions.

The evolution of women's leadership is crucial because it directly impacts the spiritual and temporal well-being of millions of Latter-day Saint women and families worldwide. It shapes church culture, ensures diverse perspectives in decision-making, and provides essential service and teaching. For many, these roles offer opportunities for personal growth, spiritual development, and a profound sense of belonging and contribution, reflecting the church's ongoing efforts to adapt and refine its structures while maintaining core beliefs.

Can Latter-day Saint women hold the priesthood?

No, women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not hold priesthood office, which is reserved for men. However, women exercise priesthood authority when called to serve in positions within organizations that operate under priesthood keys, such as Relief Society presidents or temple matrons. They also receive priesthood blessings and participate in priesthood ordinances.

What is the Relief Society?

The Relief Society is the Church's organization for women aged 18 and older. It is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world, focused on strengthening faith, providing service, and building sisterhood among its members. Women lead Relief Society at every level of the church.

Do women serve on church councils?

Yes, women now serve on all major church-wide councils, including the Executive Councils and Boards of Trustees/Education. This change, implemented in recent years, ensures that women's voices and perspectives are included in significant policy and administrative decisions.

What are some specific leadership roles women hold today?

Women serve as general presidents and board members of the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations. Locally, they lead these auxiliaries in wards and stakes, teach classes, serve as temple matrons and assistants, and serve as companions to mission presidents, exercising significant leadership and administrative responsibilities.

Sources

"Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society" (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2011)
"Women and the Priesthood" (Gospel Topics Essays, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Church Newsroom archives regarding recent council appointments and General Conference talks.