Leadership opportunities for women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been expanded following an update to the church’s General Handbook Wednesday.

Effective immediately, a bishop may call a man or a woman to serve as ward Sunday School president, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced.

A letter from the First Presidency on Wednesday said if a man is called as president, he must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and his counselors must also be male. If a woman is called, she must compile her presidency from female ward members.

Previously, Sunday School presidencies were exclusively male.

According to the First Presidency, it is the Sunday School presidency’s responsibility to oversee efforts to improve gospel learning and teaching at church and in the home.

“Those who serve in the Church are called of God, and leaders seek the guidance of the Spirit in determining whom to call,” the First Presidency said. “In any given ward, Sunday School presidencies may at times be composed of men and at other times of women, based on circumstances in the unit and the inspiration of leaders.”