SALT LAKE CITY —
In a move to expand the opportunities for young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve full-time missions, Church president Thomas S. Monson announced today that, effective immediately, men may now begin serving at age 18 and women at age 19.
The previous age for beginning missionary service was 19 years of age for young men and 21 for young women.
The announcement was made during the opening session of the Church’s 182nd Semiannual General Conference, broadcast worldwide from Salt Lake City, Utah.
President Monson said that missionaries will have to have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live.
“ I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age,” President Monson said. Rather, he said, the option is now available based on individual circumstances, as well as upon a determination by local Church leaders.
The Church anticipates that lowering the age requirement will significantly increase the number of missionaries who will serve by expanding the options for when they may begin their service.
A news conference is scheduled for 12.30pm today, when more details will be announced. A live stream of the news conference will be viewable on MormonNewsroom.org.
President Thomas S. Monson announces lower age requirement for missionaries at the Saturday morning session of general conference, October 2012© 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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1 comment:
saw this and thought of you - wondered what you thought of it?
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