General Church Leadership

First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follows the same pattern as the church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry, restored in modern times. He remains the head of the Church and directs His chosen servants as they lead.

The leaders of the worldwide Church are known as General Authorities and General Officers. General Authorities include the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Authority Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. General Officers include the General Presidencies of the Relief Society, Primary, Sunday School, Young Women, and Young Men organizations.

The First Presidency is the highest governing body of the Church. Along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, members of the First Presidency are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. They seek the Lord’s guidance as they oversee the affairs of the Church.

General Authorities, General Officers, and other Church leaders likewise seek divine guidance as they love and serve specific groups of Church members throughout the world.

View or download a chart of General Authorities and General Officers of the Church.

General Church Leadership

First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

General Officers

The Relief Society General Presidency (Beginning August 2022)

Relief Society General Presidency

The Relief Society General Presidency is called to lead the Relief Society, the Church’s organization for women, which has millions of members worldwide. The presidency is composed of a president, who is called by the President of the Church, and two counselors. These three women travel around the world to visit, teach, and minister to the women of the Church. They also counsel with other general Church leaders to strengthen the women of the Church and their families.

Portraits of the Young Men General Presidency

Young Men General Presidency

The Young Men organization promotes growth and development in young men through Sunday instruction and weekday activities. The Young Men General Presidency, which directs this organization for the whole Church, consists of a president and two counselors. These three men are responsible for supporting young men ages 12 to 18 in the Church as they serve in the Aaronic Priesthood. Members of the Young Men General Presidency travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world and to strengthen the young men of the Church.

Emily Belle Freeman, Tamara W. Runia, and Andrea Munoz Spannaus

Young Women General Presidency

The Young Women organization promotes growth and development in young women through Sunday instruction and weekday activities. The Young Women General Presidency, which directs this organization for the whole Church, consists of a president and two counselors. These three women are responsible for supporting young women ages 12 to 18 as they serve in the Church and prepare to make temple covenants. Members of the Young Women General Presidency travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world and to strengthen the young women of the Church.

Primary General Presidency, including President Susan H. Porter (center), First Counselor, Sister Amy Wright (left), and Second Counselor, Sister Tracy Y. Browning (right).

Primary General Presidency

The Primary is an organization for children ages 18 months to 11 years. It teaches them about the gospel of Jesus Christ and helps them build faith. The Primary General Presidency, which directs the Primary for the whole Church, consists of a president and two counselors. These three women work to strengthen children and families throughout the Church. Members of the Primary General Presidency travel frequently to meet with and teach Primary leaders and children throughout the world. They counsel with other general and local Church leaders to teach, serve, and watch over the children and families of the Church.

Sunday School General Presidency

Sunday School General Presidency

The Sunday School General Presidency is responsible for religious instruction in the Church. The presidency consists of a president and two counselors who travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world, helping them improve religious teaching in Church meetings and in the home. They also work to strengthen members’ commitment to personal and family scripture study and help them increase their faith in Jesus Christ.