Mormon church lowers age limit for missionaries

Thomas S. Monson said at the church's 182nd semiannual General Conference that the historic change is expected to significantly increase the missionary force of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — currently more than 55,000 worldwide.

The new age requirements will take effect immediately and replace limits that had been in effect for decades. Mormon men serve full-time, two-year missions, while women serve 18-month missions.

"I am not suggesting that all young men will — or should — serve at this earlier age," Monson said, adding it's an option based on individual circumstances and a determination by local church leaders.

Missionaries must be graduates of high school or its equivalent, he said.

Monson also said the church will build temples in Tucson, Ariz., and Arequipa, Peru. In Arizona, three temples already are in operation and two others — in Phoenix and Gilbert — were under construction. The state is home to about 400,000 church members.