SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that young women who choose to serve a full-time mission can now begin their service at age 18, effective immediately.

The decision by the First Presidency aligns the age requirement for young women with that of young men, who are asked to serve at age 18 following high school graduation or its equivalent.

The change provides a new option for service for young women globally, but the Church reiterated that missionary service remains an optional opportunity for young women.

Previously, young women could not begin missionary service until they reached the age of 19. The new policy gives young women the flexibility to decide when to begin their service, whether immediately after high school graduation or at a

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