The name for the new age group for young women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is “to help young women understand their sacred place in God’s work, to represent their spiritual dignity as beloved daughters of God, and to emphasize their progress,” the First Presidency said in an April 20 letter announcing the change.
“Each name has meaning and responsibility: Builder of Faith (young women ages 12-13), Messenger of Hope (young women 14-15), and Gatherer of Light (16-18),” said Emily Bell Freeman, Young Women general president.
She wrote about the age group names, their meanings, and why they were chosen in an article for the May 2026 digital issue of For the Strength of Youth magazine.
President Freeman explained that these names are the foundation of the Young Women program, and their roots go back to the names used by young women in the early 1900s. These names are also inspired by the Bible and a line from the hymn “As Sisters of Zion” (Hymns, no. 309).
“From time immemorial, the role of women has been essential to God’s plan. Our role has been to inspire faith with our witness, share the testimony of Christ, and build the kingdom of God. We are life-givers with a sacred responsibility and a divine destiny,” President Freeman wrote.
President Freeman said he hopes these names will remind young women of their faith in Jesus Christ and prepare them to be part of the lifelong sisterhood of Relief Society.
She encouraged young women in their branches and wards to consider activities and dedications where they can learn each of these names through some of the resources below.
Faith Builders (12-13 years old)
The Biblical basis for the name of this class is found in Ephesians 2:20. “And they are built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, of which Jesus Christ himself is the chief cornerstone.”
“Faith builders help build the kingdom of God through their faith in Christ, their solid testimony, and their actions that encourage and encourage others,” President Freeman wrote.
The first verse of “Like a Sister of Zion” reads:
“As Sisters of Zion, we all work together.
We ask for God’s blessing on our labors.
We will diligently build up His kingdom.
We comfort the weary and strengthen the weak. ”
President Freeman said that after Jesus Christ bore witness to this woman at the well, she became a “faith builder” to the Samaritans (see John 4).
Messenger of Hope (14-15 years old)
The scriptural basis for the name of this class comes from Mosiah 18:8-9, which speaks of “rejoicing with those who mourn, comforting those in need of comfort, and standing as witnesses of God at all times and in all things.”
“Messengers of hope carry Christ’s message of hope to the weary, speaking peace, sharing comfort, and refreshing hearts through the power of the Spirit,” President Freeman wrote.
“As sisters of Zion,” verse 2 says:
“Angel’s messengers are given to women.
And this is a gift that we claim as sisters.
To do something kind and human,
To cheer and celebrate in the name of humanity. ”
President Freeman cited Mary Magdalene as the scriptural example of Mary Magdalene, who first saw the risen Lord, became a witness to Christ, and became a “messenger of hope” (see John 20).
Gatherer of Light (16-18 years old)
The Biblical basis for the name of this class comes from Doctrine and Covenants 50:24, “For that which proceeds from God is light. He that receiveth light, and abideth in God, shall receive more light; and his light shall grow brighter and brighter until the day of perfection.”
“Those who gather light trust in God’s guidance and draw strength from the covenant as they seek, gather, and reflect God’s light,” President Freeman wrote.
“As sisters of Zion,” verse 3 says:
“How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission?
If we achieve it in spirit and deed.
Oh, nothing but the holy teachings of the Holy Spirit
It will give us the wisdom to truly succeed. ”
President Freeman cited the example of Emma Smith, who was specially appointed “as a gatherer of light” to teach the scriptures and encourage the Saints (see Doctrine and Covenants 25).
“You are seen by God. You are known. You are named. You are loved. The Lord has great things for you to do. You have an eternal nature and a divine destiny. You belong to God.”
