Priesthood Keys: Directing God's Authority on Earth

Understanding the specific authority given to Church leaders to govern the use of God's priesthood.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 2, 2026

Branched from The Hierarchical Order of Quorums in Church Governance

Quick take

Priesthood keys are the authority to direct and govern the use of God's priesthood.
They are held by presiding officers within specific jurisdictions.
Keys are essential for the validity of sacred ordinances and the orderly function of the Church.
The President of the Church holds all priesthood keys and delegates them to others.

Priesthood keys are the specific authority given by God to priesthood leaders to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth. They are rights of presidency, allowing those who hold them to authorize and oversee sacred ordinances and the administration of the Church within their defined jurisdiction.

How Priesthood Keys Function

Priesthood keys are always attached to a specific office and a particular organizational unit, such as a ward, stake, or quorum. For example, a bishop holds keys to preside over his ward, and a stake president holds keys to preside over his stake. These keys are not inherent to every priesthood holder; rather, they are delegated by a higher presiding authority, ultimately stemming from the President of the Church, who holds all priesthood keys pertaining to the worldwide Church. This structured delegation ensures that the priesthood is exercised in an organized and unified manner.

A primary function of priesthood keys is to authorize the performance of sacred ordinances, such as baptism, confirmation, the sacrament, and temple ordinances. While many priesthood holders can perform these actions, they must do so under the direction and authorization of a leader who holds the appropriate keys. Without the proper keys, these ordinances would not be recognized by God as valid or binding. This ensures that every sacred act is performed according to divine will and order.

Why Priesthood Keys Matter

Priesthood keys are fundamental to the proper functioning and divine authority of the Church. They ensure order, preventing confusion or unauthorized actions, and guarantee the validity of saving ordinances, making them effective in the eyes of God. Through the proper exercise of keys, divine direction and revelation can flow to guide the Church and its members, providing a clear channel for God's power and blessings to be manifest in the lives of individuals and families.

Who holds priesthood keys?

Priesthood keys are held by presiding officers in the Church, such as quorum presidents, bishops, stake presidents, mission presidents, temple presidents, and especially the President of the Church, who holds all keys pertaining to the Church.

Can a woman hold priesthood keys?

While women do not hold priesthood keys, they exercise priesthood authority in their callings as leaders in the Church (such as Relief Society presidents or Primary presidents) under the direction of those who do hold keys.

Are priesthood keys the same as priesthood power?

No, they are distinct. Priesthood power is the actual power of God that priesthood holders can access to bless others. Priesthood keys are the authority to direct how that power is used and administered within the Church.

What happens if keys are lost or not present?

Without the proper priesthood keys, sacred ordinances would not be valid or recognized by God, and the Church would not be able to function in an organized, divinely sanctioned way.