LDS ecclesiology is built on the conviction that the original church's priesthood authority was lost (the 'Great Apostasy') and restored through Joseph Smith. The LDS Church is governed by a prophet (the President) and two counselors who form the First Presidency, together with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These leaders are understood to hold keys of priesthood authority — the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods — that were restored by angelic messengers to Joseph Smith.

This claim to exclusive restored priesthood authority is central to LDS self-understanding and its relationship to other Christian traditions: the LDS Church regards itself as the only organization with the full authority to administer saving ordinances. All other churches lack this authority, whatever spiritual good they may do. Revelation continues through the living prophet, who can receive new scriptures, policies, and doctrinal clarification for the church.