The term keys refers to the authority to preside over specific Church units or jurisdictions. In stakes and wards, for example, only the stake president, the bishop, and quorum presidents hold priesthood keys. The keys are given by the laying on of hands by a priesthood holder authorized to confer them.
Presidents of Melchizedek Priesthood quorums receive the keys of presidency and the administration of spiritual things (see D&C 107:10, 18–19).
Presidents of Aaronic Priesthood quorums receive the keys of the ministering of angels and performing ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament (see D&C 107:20).
The President of the Church holds all the priesthood keys for the entire Church (see D&C 81:1–2).
The offices and some of the duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood:
Elders "confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost" (D&C 20:41).
High priests "administer in spiritual things" and have "a right to officiate in" the offices of elder, priest, teacher, and deacon (D&C 107:12).
Patriarchs give patriarchal blessings (see 124:91–93).
Seventies preach the gospel and are special witnesses of Jesus Christ under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see D&C 107:25, 34).
Apostles serve as "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world" (D&C 107:23).
The offices and some of the duties of the Aaronic Priesthood:
Deacons pass the sacrament.
Teachers "watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them" (D&C 20:53).
Priests "teach, … baptize, and administer the sacrament, and visit the house of each member" (D&C 20:46–47).
Bishops are presidents of the priests quorum and, as high priests, preside over all members in a ward (see D&C 107:87–88).
For more information, see Gospel Principles (2009), 107.
"Without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh" (D&C 84:21).
Photo illustrations by Hyun-Gyu Lee, Welden C. Andersen, Matthew Reier, Ruth Sipus, Craig Dimond, and John Luke
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