The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Apr. 15 the area leadership assignments for 2026–2027, including adaptations intended to increase support in Area Presidencies and better meet the needs of a growing Church. These changes will take effect on August 1, 2026.
The announcement details that each General Authority Seventy or Area Seventy serves as a member of an Area Presidency, with no specific counselor designations. The names and positions for presidencies across six areas in the United States and eighteen areas internationally were listed, reflecting the Church’s worldwide presence.
This restructuring matters as it addresses the expanding membership and geographical reach of the Church, which now includes more than 17 million members in over 30,000 congregations across more than 160 nations, according to the official website. Leadership changes are designed to help manage this growth while maintaining organizational oversight.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continue to preside over all affairs of The Church. Members serving in these presidencies are General Authority Seventies or Area Seventies who work under their direction. Local congregations are managed by volunteer leaders serving limited terms without compensation, according to the official website.
Areas were first established in 1984 to direct work within specific geographic locations globally. Some area presidencies operate from headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Church emphasizes Jesus Christ as its central figure and encourages faith, repentance, and baptism among its members according to its official website.
In addition to organizational structure, temple rites play a significant role by promoting eternal families through sacred ordinances and covenants performed within temples according to information from the official website.
A statement included with the announcement said: “The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve … in building up the Church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations” (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:34).
These new assignments reflect ongoing efforts by senior leadership—overseen by general authorities who pursue divine counsel—to guide local leaders as they serve communities worldwide.
