SALT LAKE CITY — Thomas S. Monson opened the
first session of this October's LDS General Conference with a historic
and unprecedented announcment: Women may now serve LDS missions at 19
and men at age 18.
"I am not suggesting that all young men will — or
should — serve at this earlier age," Monson said. It is now simply
possible for young people who meet the strict requirements set out by
the LDS church to leave at a younger age.
"I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19." –President Thomas S. Monson
