Sustaining Church Leadership: What Members Vote On and Why

An explainer on the process of sustaining leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on its meaning and purpose.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 15, 2026

Branched from The Role of the First Presidency in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Quick take

Sustaining leaders is a public demonstration of support and a covenant to uphold those called to serve.
Members raise their hand to affirm their willingness to follow and support leadership, from global to local levels.
It's a vote of common consent, signifying unity and belief in divine calling, not an election of candidates.
This process reinforces divine authority and provides an orderly way for leadership transitions.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "sustaining" church leadership is a public process where members express their willingness to support, uphold, and follow the counsel of those called to positions of authority. This isn't an election, but rather a solemn covenant of common consent, signifying unity and belief in the divine calling of leaders from the highest offices down to local congregational roles.

The Act of Sustaining: A Covenant of Support

When members are asked to sustain leaders, they are typically invited to raise their right hand. This gesture is a public affirmation of their commitment to uphold these individuals in their callings, to pray for them, and to follow their inspired counsel. It's a demonstration of faith in the process by which leaders are chosen—through prayer and revelation—and an acknowledgement of their authority to guide the Church.

A "nay" vote, or an expression of opposition, is rare and carries significant weight. It is generally understood to mean that a member believes the individual being proposed is morally unfit or has committed a serious transgression, rather than a disagreement with a policy or personal preference. Members who oppose a sustaining vote are typically invited to speak privately with a presiding leader to explain their concerns.

Who is Sustained and When?

The sustaining process occurs at various levels and times within the Church:

**General Authorities:** The First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, other General Authority Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric are sustained by the entire worldwide membership during General Conference, held twice a year (April and October).
**Area Seventies:** These leaders, who serve in specific geographic regions, are sustained by members within their respective areas.
**Local Leaders:** At the congregational level, leaders such as stake presidencies, bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, and Relief Society presidencies are sustained by members in local stake or ward conferences and meetings. This happens whenever new leaders are called to these positions.

Why Sustaining Matters

The practice of sustaining leaders is central to the governance and spiritual unity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It reinforces the principle of common consent, where members actively participate in upholding the divine order of the Church. This process fosters unity by allowing all members to publicly commit to the collective direction and leadership. It also serves as a constant reminder that leaders are called by revelation and that members covenant to support them in their sacred responsibilities, thereby strengthening the spiritual foundation of both individuals and the Church as a whole.

Is sustaining the same as voting for an election?

No, sustaining is not an election. Members do not choose who will serve. Instead, it is a public affirmation of support for individuals who have been called to leadership positions through a process believed to be guided by divine revelation. It's a covenant to uphold them in their callings.

What happens if someone votes "nay"?

A "nay" vote signifies that a member believes the individual proposed is morally unfit or has committed a serious transgression. Those who vote "nay" are typically invited to speak privately with the presiding leader to explain their concerns, which are then addressed discreetly.

Do I have to sustain someone if I don't personally like them or agree with all their ideas?

The act of sustaining is a covenant to uphold and support a leader in their calling, not necessarily an endorsement of every personal characteristic or opinion. It implies a willingness to follow their counsel as they serve in their divinely appointed role, focusing on their position and responsibilities within the Church.

How often does the sustaining process occur?

It happens twice a year for General Authorities during General Conference. For local leaders, it occurs whenever new individuals are called to serve in positions such as bishoprics, stake presidencies, or other ward and stake organizations, typically during local conferences or sacrament meetings.