branch president

A branch president is a leader of a "branch" congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).{{Cite web |title=Branch Presidency |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/branch-guidebook/branch-presidency?lang=eng |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231104172625/https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/branch-guidebook/branch-presidency?lang=eng |archive-date=2023-11-04 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}

The calling of branch president is very similar to the calling of bishop, except that instead of presiding over a ward, the branch president presides over a branch. The branch president is directly responsible for the operation of his branch and the well-being of its patrons. The branch president usually has two counselors to assist him in his duties; these three men comprise the branch presidency.[https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_faith-communities__lds-mormon-leaders_1.pdf FEMA website, Tip Sheets: Engaging Faith Communities] Like almost all callings in the LDS Church, the branch president is not paid for his work in the church.{{Cite web |last=News |first=Libby McSheehy Special to the Daily |title=Thomas president of new Freeport Branch of Latter-Day Saints |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2019/01/06/thomas-president-of-new-freeport-branch-of-latter-day-saints/6370874007/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=The Northwest Florida Daily News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Martinengo |first=Giuseppe |date=2022-07-30 |title=Latter-day Saints Bishop and Branch President {{!}} Giuseppe Martinengo |url=https://giuseppemartinengo.org/latter-day-saints-bishop-and-branch-president/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |language=en-US}}

A branch president must hold the priesthood and at a minimum must hold the office of priest. Unlike a bishop, a branch president is not required to be a high priest,{{Cite web |title=Mormon Priesthood in Action |url=https://mormonbeliefs.org/mormon_beliefs/mormon-beliefs-the-great-apostasy-and-the-restoration/what-is-mormon-priesthood/mormon-priesthood-in-action/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=mormonbeliefs.org}} or be married, but conforming with these stipulations may depend on whether the branch is part of a district or a stake.[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/37-specialized-stakes-wards-and-branches?lang=eng LDS website, Handbook, Section 37.2.2] In branches within stakes that contain several priesthood holders a branch president will usually be married and may be ordained to the office of high priest. In branches where no resident member is a worthy priesthood holder, a full-time missionary may be called to be branch president.

Branch presidents are given the honorific title "President".