LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson announced that faithful young men can serve missions at age 18 and young women at 19.
The announcement came in the opening address of the Church’s 182nd Semiannual General Conference Saturday morning.
President Monson said missionaries will have to have graduated high school, or its equivalent, to serve their missions. Other countries were sending men out earlier as a result of country-specific guidelines and laws.
“I am not suggesting that all young men will — or should — serve at this earlier age,” President Monson said, adding that this is another option is now available based on the individual.
A news conference will happen at 12:30 p.m. MT, and more will be available shortly after.
