LDS Priesthood: Authority to Act in God's Name

What Is Priesthood Authority?

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the priesthood is the divine authority to act in God's name and perform sacred ordinances on behalf of the church. It is not merely a position of honor or social status but a sacred power understood to come directly from God through Christ. The priesthood is divided into two orders: the Aaronic Priesthood (the lesser priesthood) and the Melchizedek Priesthood (the higher priesthood), both named after figures in scripture.

The Two Orders of Priesthood

The Aaronic Priesthood is named after Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first High Priest of Israel. Boys in the church typically receive the Aaronic Priesthood at age 12, beginning as deacons. Aaronic Priesthood authority includes the ability to baptize, bless the sacrament (the bread and water), and assist in various church functions. As boys mature, they typically advance to teachers (age 14-15) and then to priests (age 16-18) within the Aaronic Priesthood structure. Each office carries increasing responsibility.

The Melchizedek Priesthood is the higher priesthood, named after the ancient king-priest Melchizedek, described in Genesis 14 and Hebrews 5-7. Men receive the Melchizedek Priesthood when specifically called to do so, typically after high school or in preparation for a two-year mission. Melchizedek Priesthood authority is broader than the Aaronic and includes performing all temple ordinances, bestowing the Holy Ghost, ordaining others, administering to the sick and afflicted, and directing church operations.

How Was the Priesthood Restored?

LDS theology teaches that the priesthood was held by the original apostles of Christ but was lost when they died and the church fell into apostasy. This is the foundation of the LDS claim of restoration. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic Priesthood in 1829 through the visitation of John the Baptist—a heavenly messenger—and received the Melchizedek Priesthood shortly thereafter through the visitation of the Apostles Peter, James, and John. These restorations are recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:68-72 and Doctrine and Covenants 13.

When a man is ordained to the priesthood, he makes covenants that he will use the authority to serve others, teach the gospel, and do the Lord's work. Priesthood holders are expected to be worthy exemplars of Christ—living the commandments, treating others with kindness, and serving without seeking honor. Abuse of priesthood authority is considered a grave sin. The priesthood is meant to be exercised "by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned" (Doctrine and Covenants 121:41).

Women and the Priesthood

Women do not hold the priesthood in the LDS church. This is a fundamental doctrine, and various theological explanations are offered. Some teach that men and women have different but complementary roles—men's role involves priesthood authority; women's role involves other forms of sacred authority. Others point out that priesthood-holding is associated with mission service and certain forms of leadership that historically fell to men. In recent decades, women have been given increased leadership opportunities outside the priesthood structure—they serve as missionaries, leaders of the Young Women and Relief Society organizations, and in 2018-2019, women were permitted to officiate certain temple ordinances.

The statement "No one can take this authority upon him, but he that is called of God by prophecy and by laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof" (Doctrine and Covenants 42:11) reflects the LDS understanding that priesthood authority cannot be self-appointed or taken by democratic vote. It must come through proper channels—through a call from recognized church leadership and through the laying on of hands by those who already hold the priesthood. This principle is based on Hebrews 5:4: "No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God."

Priesthood holders in the church occupy a wide range of positions. Most are "lay" priesthood holders—they have secular jobs and volunteer their time to the church. The church has no paid clergy below the top leadership level. A bishop is a priesthood holder who leads a congregation of a few hundred members; a stake president oversees multiple congregations. These leaders are selected from the membership and serve for specified terms. Missionaries—both men and women—serve two years, though many male missionaries hold the priesthood and use that authority in their missionary work.