How Authority Works in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Understanding the roles of the Church President and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in guiding a global faith.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 21, 2026

Branched from Continuing Revelation in Mormonism: How Living Prophets Update Doctrine

Quick take

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by a President and his two counselors, forming the First Presidency, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The Church President is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator, and is always the senior-most apostle.
Decisions are made collectively through councils, requiring unanimity among the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.
This leadership structure provides stability, continuity, and unified direction for the Church's global membership.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by a hierarchical structure, with its highest authority vested in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These fifteen men serve as the Church’s senior-most ecclesiastical leaders, responsible for guiding its global membership, administering its affairs, and declaring its doctrine and policy.

The Church President: Prophet, Seer, and Revelator

At the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Church President, who is sustained by members as a prophet, seer, and revelator. This title signifies that he is regarded as God’s chosen spokesman on Earth, authorized to receive revelation and provide direction for the entire Church. The President serves for life and is assisted by two counselors, chosen from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who together form the First Presidency. This three-man body oversees all aspects of the Church’s operations, from spiritual guidance to administrative decisions.

Succession to the Presidency

When a Church President dies, the First Presidency is automatically dissolved.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles then becomes the presiding body of the Church.
The senior-most apostle (the one who has served longest in the Quorum) is next in line to become the new Church President.
This process ensures a seamless and stable transition of leadership, avoiding campaigns or elections.

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Second only to the First Presidency in authority is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These twelve men are called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ throughout the world, with a mandate to teach His gospel and build up the Church. They travel extensively, ministering to members, training local leaders, and overseeing the Church’s spiritual and temporal affairs across various regions. When a vacancy occurs in the Quorum of the Twelve (due to death), a new apostle is called by the Church President, typically after prayerful consideration and divine inspiration.

Authority Through Councils and Common Consent

A foundational principle of leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that decisions are made through councils, not by individual decree. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles regularly meet in council to discuss, deliberate, and pray about important matters. For any significant decision, particularly those concerning doctrine or major policy, unanimity among the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve is sought. Furthermore, these leaders are sustained by the common consent of the Church members, who raise their hands in a symbolic vote to affirm their support for those called to lead them.

This leadership structure is crucial for providing stability, continuity, and a unified direction for a global church with millions of members. It ensures that the Church operates under consistent guidance, allowing for adaptability to changing global circumstances while maintaining core doctrines and values. The emphasis on collective decision-making and divine inspiration is central to how the Church believes it is led by Jesus Christ through His chosen servants.

How is a new Church President chosen?

When the current Church President passes away, the First Presidency is dissolved. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles then becomes the presiding body. The senior-most apostle in terms of continuous service in the Quorum automatically becomes the new Church President, ensuring a smooth and predetermined succession.

What's the difference between the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve?

The First Presidency consists of the Church President and his two counselors, serving as the highest governing body. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest body, acting under the direction of the First Presidency, with a primary mission to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ and oversee the global Church.

Can a Church President be overruled?

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, significant decisions are made through a council system requiring unanimity among the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. While the Church President holds the highest authority, he governs through consensus and prayerful deliberation with the other apostles, rather than by individual decree.

Do these leaders handle day-to-day operations for all Church units?

While the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve provide overall direction and policy, the day-to-day administration and spiritual guidance for local congregations (wards and branches) are handled by local volunteer leaders, such as bishops and stake presidents, under the general direction of the apostles.

What does "Prophet, Seer, and Revelator" mean in practice?

In practice, this means the Church President is believed to receive divine guidance and inspiration, known as revelation, to lead the Church. He teaches doctrine, clarifies policies, and provides counsel that is considered authoritative for members worldwide. A 'seer' is someone who sees with spiritual eyes, and a 'revelator' is someone who reveals God's will.

Sources

Official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) for general leadership structure and succession principles.