The First Presidency has announced new age-group names for young women—names that reflect their identity, growth, and purpose.
The new age-group names are:
• Builders of Faith (young women turning 12 or 13)
• Messengers of Hope (young women turning 14 or 15)
• Gatherers of Light (young women turning 16 or older)
Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman said the spiritual significance of the names became especially clear to her during a recent visit with young women in Tahiti.
“As the girls sang, I was inspired to think of these covenant-keeping young women whose purpose and mission would be to build faith, share hope, and gather and reflect light around the world,” President Freeman said. “My eyes teared up as I realized the Spirit had been leading this process all along, inspiring names of faith, hope, and light that would help God’s daughters live as disciples of Christ and prepare them to enter a lifelong sisterhood of charity—the Relief Society.”
Learn more by visiting the link below:
https://t.co/xa6DAnu7Ke
This is a time of many harsh and hurtful words in our public communications and sometimes even in our families. Sharp differences on issues of public policy often result in actions of hostility—even hatred—in public and personal relationships.
We need to love and do good to all. We need to avoid contention and be peacemakers in all our communications. This does not mean to compromise our principles and priorities, but to cease harshly attacking others for theirs. That is what our Perfect Role Model did in His ministry. That is the example He set for us, as He invited us to follow Him.
As followers of Christ, let us teach and testify of Jesus Christ, our Perfect Role Model. Let us follow Him by foregoing contention. As we pursue our preferred policies in public actions, let us qualify for His blessings by using the language and methods of peacemakers. In our families and other personal relationships, let us avoid what is harsh and hateful. Let us seek to be holy, like our Savior.
Following today’s announcement by the First Presidency that, effective immediately, young women who choose to serve a full-time mission may begin their service at age 18 following graduation from high school or its equivalent, four leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke to news media about this announcement.
The First Presidency is pleased to announce that effective immediately, young women who choose to serve a full-time mission may begin their service at age 18 following graduation from high school or its equivalent.
While the Lord asks every worthy, able young man as part of his priesthood responsibility to prepare for and serve a mission, we reiterate that missionary service remains an optional opportunity for young women. We recognize that for those young women who desire to serve a full-time mission, the choice of age to begin service will not be the same for everyone.
We extend our love to the youth of the Church and commend them for their faithfulness. https://t.co/hZVKFI3VW6
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working alongside government agencies and private organizations to assist communities heavily affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong), which struck the Philippines only days apart in early November 2025.
The Church provided food, clean drinking water, utility services, and temporary shelters, among other basic and emergency needs, to nearly 50,000 individuals in the most affected regions.
The Church also opened the doors of more than 240 meetinghouses to members and neighbors of other faiths seeking refuge from the storms or who had been displaced by major flooding. Latter-day Saints across the country contributed warm meals, clothing, bedding, and other essential items to support their communities.
Learn more on Church Newsroom.
https://t.co/42NodMGuOk
Elder David A. Bednar, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the continuous need for economic growth, particularly for the younger generation. He also shared the progress being made to reduce poverty and provide economic opportunities for the benefit of the Uzbek people.
“When people of faith and goodwill work together to bless others, hearts are softened and lives are changed,” said Elder @BednarDavidA, emphasizing Jesus’ invitation to care for individuals. “We are deeply grateful for the warm friendship of the people and leaders of Uzbekistan.”
Learn more on Church Newsroom.
https://t.co/sjYXlXGGsF
Commitment to religious liberty is deeply rooted in the doctrine, history, and global experience of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In 2026, the United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, allowing us to commemorate the preservation of religious liberty in the nation where the @Ch_JesusChrist was restored and organized.
I was grateful to meet this week with some of the impressive individuals who are responsible for organizing the celebration of the semiquincentennial. This anniversary is an opportunity for us to come together, serve together, and express gratitude for the freedoms that have allowed all faiths—including ours—to flourish.
We remember an article of our faith: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).