Mormon woman who uttered historic prayer gets new assignment

There's a change coming to the LDS Primary's general presidency, which directs programs for Mormon children up to age 12.

On Saturday, the faith's Church News announced that first counselor Jean A. Stevens — who, in April 2013, became the first woman to offer a public prayer at an LDS General Conference — will be accompanying her husband, Mark Stevens, as he presides over the London LDS mission, starting in July.

Stevens' imminent departure could signal that the entire Primary presidency, including President Rosemary M. Wixom and second counselor Cheryl A. Esplin, could be replaced at the upcoming conference the first weekend of April. They were installed in April 2010, and the standard stretch of service for such positions is five years.

Observers wonder if the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might use this as a chance to diversify the general leadership by tapping women of color for a new presidency.