Organizational Changes Announced To Church Youth Programs

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced adjustments to the Young Men and Young Women programs of the church.

“I have invited the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the Lord’s youth battalion to participate in the greatest cause on earth today—the gathering of Israel,” said President Russell M. Nelson.

He said the adjustments are intended to strengthen quorums and classes.

“Oh, how we love them, and pray for them,” Nelson said of the youth.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave more details about the changes for the Young Men program. He said Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, would speak about changes in the Young Women program at the women’s session of conference Saturday night.

Changes to Young Women Program

Cordon announced four new initiatives for the Young Women’s program. First, the “Young Women’s Theme,” was changed to focus on the individual, rather than the group.

The former theme began, “We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love him.” It also defined eight Young Women’s values – faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, integrity and virtue.

The new theme omits the listed values, and begins, “I am a beloved daughter.” It also adds wording about being and striving to become like Jesus Christ.

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon shared the new Young Women theme. pic.twitter.com/giEZojqkkh

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@ChurchNewsroom) October 6, 2019

Also announced was the retirement of the longstanding Young Women class names, Beehive, Mia Maid and Laurel. Cordan said local leaders would be given the authority to organize classes according to needs of individual wards, or local congregations.

Changes to Young Men Program

Cook said youth live in an exciting but challenging time. Because of this, Cook said the church has three initiatives. Those initiatives include church curriculum in the home, a new children and youth program that includes activities and personal development, and organizational changes that make youth a more significant focus of bishops and other adult leaders, Cook said.

“These comprehensive adjustments … will empower and strengthen every member of the Church. Our youth will develop greater faith in the Savior, be protected from the temptations of the adversary, and stand prepared to meet life’s challenges,” Cook said.

The ward budget for youth activities will be divided equitably between the young men and young women according to the number of youth in each organization. A sufficient amount will be provided for Primary activities.

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@ChurchNewsroom) October 5, 2019

Cook said bishops are to preside over priests, and hold counsel with them. First counselors will be responsible for teachers, and 2nd counselors for deacons.

“Young Men presidencies at the ward level will be discontinued,” Cook said. “We express appreciation to them.”

“In the past, this assignment could be delegated to a counselor, but going forward, young women will be a direct responsibility of the one who holds presiding keys for the ward.” @CookQuentinL #GeneralConference

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@ChurchNewsroom) October 5, 2019