After years without formal names for the Young Women's organization for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency announced new names on April 20. 

In October 2019, following 60 years of use, the Church removed the original names for young women's age groups: Laurels, Mia Maids and Beehives. Over the last few years, the age groups have gone unnamed – until now. 

Young Women’s General President Emily Belle Freeman and her counselors introduced the new names: Builders of Faith, Messengers of Hope and Gatherers of Light for young women ages 12-13,14-15 and 16-18, respectively. 

In a video posted to Instagram explaining the change in names, Freeman says that, “Finding identity is one of the greatest desires of the young women of this generation.” 

According to Freeman, the new names are meant to offer a sense of purpose and guidance to the young women.

The Gospel Library app offers a digital copy of "For the Strength of Youth." In this, Freeman writes an explanation for each new name. 

According to Freeman, the name Builders of Faith serves a dual purpose of focusing on personal development as well as serving others. Internally, the new name symbolizes building a testimony for oneself by studying scripture, coming to God and learning to pray. Externally, the new name is intended to embody the responsibility young women have to strengthen the faith of others through Christlike service and leadership. Freeman explains that the scriptural connection is linked to John 4 and the story of the Woman at the Well. 

Messengers of Hope are meant to know that through hope, they are beloved daughters of God. The name is also meant to encourage those in this age group to spread their light with others, sharing the comfort and peace that the gospel provides. The doctrinal connection for this age group is to Mary Magdalene at the tomb, who was a messenger of the Resurrection. 

Gatherers of Light is highlights the importance of gaining and seeking a testimony for oneself and for one's future. Referring to the name, Freeman stresses the value of being a missionary with or without a tag and reflecting God's light to all corners of the world. 

In the video, Freeman and her counselors say the names were also crafted in a fashion so they are easy to translate among all languages, while still maintaining the same meaning. Rather than one word that can have multiple meanings upon translation, a phrase ensures messages remain constant.

Freeman wrote in the digital copy of the For Strength of Youth, “God’s plan of salvation depends on the heroic actions of valiant women. You can be a woman like that!” 

There have been reactions from young women around the world, varying from ecstatic to disappointed. 

18-year-old Mikaela Cartier expressed satisfaction with the name changes. 

“I absolutely adore the new names. I think they are such a powerful and wonderful new way to identify the young women,” She said. “I definitely agree that a sense of identity is being provided with these new names.” 

While Cartier clearly has positive feedback regarding this change, 16-year-old Emma Tree shared a different perspective. 

“I’m not exactly fond of the new names … ” Tree said. “ … it doesn’t really give me a sense of identity either.”  

Tree furthered her statement, saying, “I do know that the other young women in my ward are not fond of the new name change either.” 

According to the announcement, the new names are to be implemented immediately in Sunday lessons and weekly activities. With the execution of the new names, the Young Women's Presidency makes it clear that this is not simply a name change but will hopefully offer a sense of direction, along with inspiring young women of the Church to see their potential as active participants.