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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced new leadership roles for sister missionaries on Friday.

In a news release, church leaders stated that each mission in the church will organize a new mission leadership council that will include both male (elders) and female (sisters) missionary leaders. The new mission leadership council will consist of the mission president and his wife and will add sister training leaders. The assistants to the president and zone leaders will also participate in the council and their roles remain unchanged.

"We are very excited about the new Mission Leadership Council and this role for sister missionaries," said Elder David F. Evans, executive director of the Missionary Department. "It will be a blessing to both missions and missionaries throughout the world, and better employ the remarkable faith, talents and abilities of all missionaries."

The role of sister training leader has been created as more female missionaries are continuing to serve in missions around the world, according to the news release. The position of sister training leaders will give sister missionaries the responsibility of the training and welfare of female missionaries assigned to them, as well as reporting and participating in the newly organized mission leadership council.

I don't think women are after the authority. I think they are after the blessings. –Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President

The wives of the mission presidents are also being given extra leadership responsibilities by playing an enhanced role in training and caring for sister missionaries.

The three women who lead the women's auxiliaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also shared their views on church leadership, priesthood and the roles of men and women in the church during a video released on Friday.

The "World Report" video posted to the LDS Newsroom website features Elaine S. Dalton, president of the Young Women organization, as well as the Relief Society general president, Linda K. Burton, and Primary general president, Rosemary M. Wixom.

The women referred to their leadership roles in the church as "an ennobling experience," and during the interview they each stressed the respect and value that they feel from the priesthood leaders as they meet together.

Burton also addressed the issue of women who are concerned that they don't hold the priesthood.

"I don't think women are after the authority," Burton said. "I think they are after the blessings. And they are happy that they can access the blessings and the power of the priesthood. There are a few that would like both. But most women, I think, are happy to have all the blessings. That's what matters most to them."

The 183rd LDS General Conference will also take place on Saturday and Sunday. To watch Conference and other LDS related features, visit the conference banner on the ksl.com homepage.

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