BREAKING NEWS: First Presidency Announces New Young Women Age Group Names

Good morning, everyone! On the heels of last night's stunning temple announcement for Marsyville Washington, the First Presidency has released new names for young women classes that replace the Beehive, Mia Maid, and Laurel names that were "retired" for Young Women in 2018.

The new young women class names are Builders of Faith for those turning 12 or 13, Messengers of Hope for those turning 14 or 15, and Gatherers of Light for those 16 and older. The First Presidency offers the following explanation of the respective class names:

"A Builder of Faith helps build God’s kingdom through her faith in Christ, steadfast witness, and actions that uplift and encourage others (see Ephesians 2:20)."

"A Messenger of Hope carries Christ’s message of hope to the weary, speaking peace, sharing comfort, and lifting hearts through the power of the Spirit (see Mosiah 18:8–9)."

"A Gatherer of Light trusts divine guidance and draws strength from covenants as she seeks, gathers, and reflects God’s light (see Doctrine and Covenants 50:24)."

These new class names are wonderful developments. The official First Presidency letter also includes a great list of FAQs regarding what the name changes mean, when (and how) the changes will be implemented, whether new class presidencies need to be called, the difference between an age group and a class, who attends ward youth council, how adult leaders are assigned to groups, and how age group progression will occur each year. 

It was further noted that bishoprics can act to reorganize classes ASAP, but that some changes in age groups, classes, or class presidencies may need to wait until June 1, 2026, to be reflected on the Church's LCR (Leader & Clerk Resources) System. This was another stunning development I couldnot have foreseen. But I am grateful for it.

It struck me that the description of these young women age group names matches up fairly well with the duties and responsibilities of the corresponding age groups of the Aaronic Priesthood Quorums. So this may be a way for the Church to put young women classes or groups on more equal footing with their Aaronic Priesthood counterparts.

I am grateful for yet another inspired change. I testify that these changes are inspired by the Lord, as I felt that confirmed to me very strongly as I first read the news. These agegroup names will prepare the young women for future service opportunities in the Releif Society and elsewhere in the Church. I know that is true.

I invite you all to stay tuned here for my coverage of the latest updates from the Church News, Newsroom, and Church of Jesus Christ Temples sites. I’ll be sure to pass word of those along to you all as soon as I learn about them. In the meantime, that does it for now. All comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated on any post at any time, as long as all such feedback is made per the established guidelines. 

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