The latest updates to the General Handbook: Service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include revised language and clarification of ordinances and covenants. More information about Valiant’s Super Activities, Aaronic Priesthood Camps, and Young Women’s Camps. Access your patriarchal blessings. Then call the man or woman to the ward Sunday School presidency.
The General Handbook is an online book containing policies, instructions, and information for church leaders and members. Updates occur as needed under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to provide ministerial guidance, clarity, and inspiration to area leaders.
When important content updates are fully released, they are listed in the Recent Updates Summary at the beginning of the handbook.
The update was announced in a March 18 news release posted on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and in a notice sent to church leaders. A letter from the First Presidency provides further updates from the Sunday School Presidency.
The update will appear on the Gospel Library app within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to a church news release.
Below are some of the updates in the latest release.
Reorganized and revised language to emphasize ordinances and covenants as central to God’s work of salvation and exaltation (see chapter 1). Added clear explanation of the covenants and blessings associated with each ordinance required for salvation and exaltation (see 3.5). Clarified who presides over district and branch conferences (see 6.3). Added information about the length of Aaronic Priesthood camps and Young Women camps (see 6.3, 10.2.1.3, 11.2.1.3). Updated information about the Valiant Super Activity, previously known as Day Camp (see 12.2.1.3). Updated information about calling a man or woman to a ward Sunday School presidency (see 13.2.2.1 and official First Presidency letter). Added information about accessing digital patriarchal blessings (see 18.17.2). Use of meeting halls on Monday nights (see 20.5.3). Updated missionary age information for young women and single men serving as senior missionaries (see 24.2). Added new section on caring for the earth (see 38.8.6).
These are the first updates published to the handbook since December 2025.
rules and rituals
Chapter 1 of the Comprehensive Manual has been revised and reorganized to emphasize the importance of ordinances and covenants, stating that “covenants are central to God’s work of salvation and exaltation.” This update also includes a new section on Ordinances and Covenants (3.5) that clearly explains the covenants and blessings associated with each ordinance necessary for salvation and exaltation.
These regulations are:
Baptism. Confirmation and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Conferment of the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordination to office (for men). Temple endowment. Temple sealing.
President Dallin H. Oaks has taught that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known for its commitment to making covenants with God.
“Covenants are unique to each ordinance of salvation and exaltation that this restored Church performs. The ordinance of baptism and its associated covenants are a requirement for entry into the celestial kingdom. The ordinances of the temple and its associated covenants are a requirement for exaltation in the celestial kingdom,” he said (“Covenants and Responsibilities,” April 2024 General Conference).
Ward Sunday School Presidency
The First Presidency has expanded Sunday School leadership opportunities to improve teaching and learning in the Church. In a March 18 letter to church leaders around the world, it was explained that ward Sunday school presidencies can now be made up of all women or all men.
“The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have determined that bishops may immediately call men and women to serve as ward Sunday School presidents,” the First Presidency said. “If a man is called to be Sunday School president, he must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and his counselors and clerks must be male members of the ward. If a woman is called to be Sunday School president, his counselors and clerks must be female members of the ward.”
This means that in any given district, the Sunday School presidency will sometimes be made up of men and sometimes made up of women, based on the circumstances of the district and the inspiration of its leaders, the letter said.
The stake Sunday School president remains a high councilor called and appointed by the stake president (see General Handbook, 13.6).
Other updates
The handbook update also added information about the length of Aaronic Priesthood camps and Young Women’s camps. The handbook explains that the duration of the camp is determined by local needs and resources. If possible, leaders are encouraged to plan annual camps for each group that last long enough for young men and women to “have spiritual experiences and develop meaningful relationships.”
Formerly known as day camp, the annual super activity for Valiant-age children “must be fun and engaging and may include indoor or outdoor games, ministries, workshops, and other activities that help children feel the joy of following Jesus together,” the handbook states.
The handbook also includes updates on the missionary age for young women reaching 18 and expanding opportunities for single men to serve as senior missionaries.
