High Priest. An office usually given to more experienced members within the Melchizedek Priesthood who oversee the spiritual welfare of church members.
According to a conference message given by fifteenth President Gordon Hinckley, “We have more than 18,000 bishops in the Church. Every one is a man who has been called by the spirit of prophecy and revelation and set apart and ordained by the laying on of hands. Every one of them holds the keys of the presidency of his ward. Each is a high priest, the presiding high priest of his ward. Each carries tremendous responsibilities of stewardship. Each stands as a father to his people” (“The Shepherds of Israel,” Ensign (Conference Edition), November 2003, p. 60).
In the Bible, however, only one man at a time held this office of high priest under the Old Covenant. Numbers 3:6-10 states only those of the lineage of Aaron could officiate in this capacity. Hebrews 4:14 states that Jesus Christ is now the great high priest and that this office does not transfer to another. For on article on this topic, click here.
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