First Presidency (LDS Church)

The First Presidency is the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It consists of the President of the Church and two counselors. These three individuals hold the priesthood keys necessary to direct the Church and its members worldwide.

The President of the Church is understood by members to be a prophet, seer, and revelator, and he is sustained as such in a solemn assembly. He is considered the senior Apostle and holds all the keys of the priesthood on earth. His counselors, who are also Apostles, assist him in his duties.

The First Presidency is responsible for setting the direction of the Church, interpreting doctrine, overseeing Church programs and activities, and representing the Church publicly. They meet regularly to counsel together, pray, and seek divine guidance on matters affecting the Church.

New members of the First Presidency are typically chosen when the President of the Church dies. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest governing body, typically meets to organize a new First Presidency. The most senior Apostle by date of ordination is typically sustained as the new President of the Church, and he then chooses his two counselors. The new First Presidency is then presented to the Church membership for a sustaining vote.

The First Presidency offices are located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Official announcements and messages from the First Presidency are considered authoritative and are often published in Church magazines and on the Church's official website. The formal salutation in official communications is "The First Presidency."