Priesthood (Mormonism)

In Mormonism, priesthood is considered to be the power and authority to act in the name of God, including the performance of sacred rites and ordinances, and the performance of miracles. A body of priesthood holders is referred to as a quorum.

Related Topics:
Mormonism - Ordinances - Miracles - Quorum

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The term priesthood denotes elements of both power and authority. As a power, priesthood includes the power to perform miracles. Latter Day Saints believe that the Biblical miracles performed by prophets and apostles were performed by the power of the priesthood, including the miracles of Jesus, whom Latter Day Saints believe was "a priest forever ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Heb. 5:6), and thus that Jesus held the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Related Topics:
Biblical - Prophet - Apostle - Jesus - Melchizedek Priesthood

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As an authority, priesthood is considered to be the legitimizing stamp by which a person may perform ecclesiastical acts in the name of God, or to hold clerical positions in the church. Latter Day Saints believe that acts (and in particular, Ordinances) performed by one with the priesthood are recognized by God and are binding in heaven and in the afterlife. In addition, Latter Day Saints believe that leadership positions within the church are legitimized by the priesthood authority.

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