How the LDS Church Interprets Priesthood Authority Through Doctrine and Covenants Sections

The Doctrine and Covenants provides foundational texts for understanding the structure, function, and blessings of priesthood authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jul 31, 2026

Branched from How the Latter-day Saint Church Uses Doctrine and Covenants to Guide Modern Practice

Quick take

Priesthood authority in the LDS Church is believed to be divine power delegated to worthy men.
The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) outlines its restoration, organization, and proper use.
Key D&C sections define the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods and their respective duties.
This authority is central to performing ordinances, governing the church, and blessing members.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, priesthood authority refers to the power and authority of God delegated to worthy male members to act in His name. It is understood as the means by which God governs His church, administers sacred ordinances, and blesses His children. The Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations and inspired declarations, serves as a primary scriptural source for interpreting the nature, scope, and proper exercise of this authority.

The Restoration and Two Orders of Priesthood

The Doctrine and Covenants details the historical restoration of priesthood authority to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Section 13 describes the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist, granting authority to baptize and administer the sacrament. Later, sections like 27 and 128 allude to the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood by Peter, James, and John, which holds the keys of the kingdom and power to perform higher ordinances, including conferring the Holy Ghost and sealing families. These foundational accounts establish the divine origin and lineal authority believed to be essential for valid priesthood action.

Organization and Duties Defined

Numerous sections of the Doctrine and Covenants delineate the organization and specific duties associated with various priesthood offices. Section 20, for example, outlines the responsibilities of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, detailing their roles in teaching, administering ordinances, and ministering to members. Section 107 further elaborates on the structure of priesthood quorums, from the Quorum of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles down to local quorums of elders and deacons. It defines the specific keys and responsibilities held by different leadership positions, providing a blueprint for the Church’s hierarchical governance.

Principles of Righteous Exercise

Beyond structure, the Doctrine and Covenants offers crucial guidance on how priesthood authority is to be exercised. Section 121, in particular, emphasizes that priesthood power can only be maintained and used righteously through principles of persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge. It warns against exercising control or dominion unrighteously, making it clear that authority is tied to personal righteousness and service, not to rank or position alone. This section is central to the Church's understanding that priesthood power is conditional upon the character of the individual holding it.

Priesthood authority is central to the daily function and spiritual life of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is seen as essential for performing all saving ordinances, such as baptism, confirmation, sacrament administration, and temple ordinances like endowments and sealings, which are believed to be necessary for eternal salvation. This authority also underpins the Church's global organization, enabling leaders to teach, guide, and administer the Church according to divine direction. For individual members, it means access to blessings, healing, and guidance through authorized servants of God, shaping their spiritual journey from birth through eternity.

Can women hold priesthood authority in the LDS Church?

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, priesthood authority is conferred upon worthy male members. While women do not hold priesthood offices, they serve in leadership positions, teach, minister, and exercise spiritual gifts within the Church, often exercising priesthood authority in their callings as they serve under the direction of priesthood leaders.

How is priesthood authority received?

Priesthood authority is conferred upon worthy male members through the laying on of hands by one who already holds that authority. This process includes an ordination to a specific office (e.g., deacon, teacher, priest, elder) and the receiving of specific keys or responsibilities.

What is the difference between the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods?

The Aaronic Priesthood (often called the preparatory priesthood) holds authority for ministering angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and administering the sacrament. The Melchizedek Priesthood (the higher priesthood) holds the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church, including conferring the Holy Ghost, administering temple ordinances, and presiding over the Church.

What happens if someone misuses priesthood authority?

The Doctrine and Covenants teaches that if priesthood authority is exercised unrighteously, the heavens withdraw, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved, and the authority itself is effectively lost. Misuse can lead to Church disciplinary action, but more fundamentally, it severs the connection to divine power, rendering the actions without spiritual effect.