In Mormonism, the Melchizedek priesthood is one of the two or three types, or "orders" of priesthood. The Melchizedek priesthood is also referred to as the high priesthood of the holy order of God (Alma 4:20, 13:8), or the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God (LDS D&C 107:3), or simply as the high priesthood. In Mormonism, unlike most other Christian religions, the Melchizedek priesthood is thought to be held by mortals as a normal priesthood office, and not solely by either pre-Aaronic priests such as Melchizedek, or Jesus alone, as most Christians interpret the Epistle to the Hebrews.

The Melchizedek priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest denomination of Mormonism, the Melchizedek priesthood is one of two recognized priesthoods, which is usually given as a matter of course to worthy members 18 years and older who have been a member of the church for over one year. Ordination is based on the recipient's age, gender, and moral worthiness without regard to training, knowledge, or aptitude.

Offices of the Latter-day Saint Melchizedek priesthood

If an adult man joins the Church, he may be called and ordained to hold the lesser Aaronic Priesthood (if he is morally worthy) by those in the Church with authority to do so. After a period of time (usually one year) the man may be called and ordained to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood (again based upon moral worthiness) by those in the Church with authority.

Men are generally ordained to the office of High Priest in order to be set apart to an office which requires that ordination, such as Bishop or High Councilor. However, older men are also ordained to the office of High Priest without having been set apart to serve in a leadership office. Each person who holds an office of the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood also belong to a local Priesthood quorum. Although the age limits set forth in this article are almost always followed, they remain malleable and applied at the discretion of the correct Priesthood authority.

Quorums

Priesthood bearers are organized into quorums to fulfill their priesthood responsibilities. The quorums are a brotherhood where members of the

Presidencies

Each quorum and organizational unit in the church has a presidency attached to it. A presidency is composed of three members: the president and two counselors. Typically, a president is selected and he chooses the two counselors who he would like to serve with him. On very rare occasions there may be only one counselor or three counselors. Usually, a secretary is also called by the president to serve, but he is not considered a part of the presidency by authority. Each of the counselors is given a precedence, for instance, "first counselor" and "second counselor".

The one exception to this precedent is in the Presidency of the Seventy, which consists of seven presidents equal in authority.

The counselors serve under the direction of the president and share in his responsibilities. The president may assign each counselor to handle certain areas of responsibility. The president shares the sole burden of being the final arbiter of decisions, but he is advised to counsel with his advisors and pay close attention to their advice and insight.

When the president is released, the counselors are released as well.

A bishopric is organized much like a presidency, except the president is the bishop.

Priesthood Leadership callings

In addition to the regular offices of the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood referred to in the chart above, there are other leadership callings within the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. The table below lists these other Priesthood leadership callings and the table below it shows how the various callings are organized within the hierarchy of the Church.

Hierarchy