SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 14, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a change in how it will move children and teens forward from one educational or priesthood group to the next.
At present, young members of the Church move between two programs as individuals, on their birthdays.
Primary, a group for younger children, finishes at age 12, and individuals who hit that age move forward to either Young Women programs for girls or Aaronic Priesthood Quorums for boys.
But starting in January, children will be moved forward as class groups rather than individuals.
Classes of children turning 12 in the coming year will move forward as a group in January, meaning most or all will progress at age 11, and will remain together as they hit their birthdays throughout the year.
Boys will be eligible to be ordained at associated priesthood levels at the beginning of the years they turn 12, 14 and 16.
Girls and boys will be eligible to apply for a limited-use temple recommend in January of the year they turn 12.
“We desire to strengthen our beloved children and youth through increased faith in Jesus Christ, deeper understanding of His gospel, and greater unity with His Church and its members,” says a letter released Friday on Mormonnewsroom.org.
“To that end, we are pleased to announce that in January 2019 children will complete Primary and begin attending Sunday School and Young Women or Aaronic Priesthood quorums as age-groups at the beginning of January in the year they turn 12. Likewise, young women will progress between Young Women classes and young men between Aaronic Priesthood quorums as age-groups at the beginning of January in the year they turn 14 and 16.
“In addition, young men will be eligible for ordination to the appropriate priesthood office in January of the year they turn 12, 14, and 16. Young women and ordained young men will be eligible for limited-use temple recommends beginning in January of the year they turn 12. Ordination to a priesthood office for young men and obtaining a limited-use temple recommend for young women and young men will continue to be individual matters, based on worthiness, readiness, and personal circumstances. Ordinations and obtaining limited-use recommends will typically take place throughout January.
“We encourage local leaders to implement these changes throughout January 2019. Additional information is enclosed and is also available at childrenandyouth.lds.org.”
The letter, signed by LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring, will be read Sunday in Sacrament meeting, according to the website.
The letter is followed by a section of “frequently ask questions.” To see both, click here.
