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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Friday it will now allow women to serve missions at age 18.

The change follows a 2012 adjustment lowering men's mission age to 18 and women's to 19.

The church now has over 84,000 missionaries worldwide with plans to create 55 new missions by 2026.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says women can now serve missions starting at age 18.

The First Presidency announced Friday, effective immediately, that young women who wish to serve a full-time mission for the church can begin their service at age 18 after graduating from high school.

"While the Lord asks every worthy, able young man as part of his priesthood responsibility to prepare for and serve a missio

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