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Summary:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that young women can now begin their full-time missionary service at age 18, following graduation from high school or its equivalent. This lowers the previous minimum age of 19. The change emphasizes that missionary service remains an optional opportunity for young women, while encouraging young men to serve as part of their priesthood responsibility. This update builds on a 2012 announcement that also adjusted the age requirements for both young men and young women.

News Article:

ABC4 Utah: LDS Church Lowers Missionary Age for Young Women to 18

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – In a significant announcement this Friday morning, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revealed that young women can now begin serving full-time missions at the age of 18, effective immediately.

The change allows young women to embark on their missionary service after graduating from high school or completing its equivalent. Previously, young women were required to wait until they were 19 years old to begin their service. Young men can still begin their service at age 18.

“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,” the Church stated in a press release. “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.”

This announcement builds upon a similar change made in October 2012, when then-President Thomas S. Monson lowered the minimum age for young men from 19 to 18 and for young women from 21 to 19.

Church leaders emphasize that while missionary service is encouraged, the decision to serve remains a personal one, especially for young women. The change is expected to give young women more flexibility in planning their lives after high school.

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