Priesthood Correlation Program

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the Priesthood Correlation Program (also called the Correlation Program or simply Correlation) is a program designed to provide a systematic approach to provide consistency and implement uniform coordinated changes to its ordinances, doctrines, organizations, meetings, materials, and other programs and activities. The LDS Church is organized according to priesthood function, and correlation provides support to priesthood quorums, thereby improving communication and leadership, and keeping unorthodox information, doctrines and other undesired concepts from being introduced or revived.

In the LDS Church, all organizations and activities are intended to complement the mission of the church and are considered subject to the priesthood, helping to complete its responsibilities.

Before the correlation movement, the various organizations and auxiliaries of the church, including the Relief Society, Primary, Sunday School, welfare program, genealogy programs, and the Young Men and Young Women organizations were largely under the direction of the stake or ward, and curriculum could vary from ward to ward. Formal organization of a Correlation Committee occurred in 1908. Starting in 1944, the Church Publications Committee approved the content and wording of the lesson materials from each of the auxiliaries making sure that everything that was published conformed to official church doctrine.

By the early 1960s, the rapid growth of the church had created administrative difficulties that needed to be addressed. Marion G. Romney gave an example of a 14-year-old boy who was invited to four swimming parties in the same week, each organized by an independent church organization.David O. McKay charged the General Priesthood Committee, led by Harold B. Lee, to form committees "to correlate the instruction and curriculum of all priesthood and auxiliary organizations of the church." Under Lee, correlation quickly took on a much wider scope than just the church curriculum. For example, to bring priesthood correlation into the local level, Priesthood Home Teaching was introduced replacing the role formerly occupied by ward teachers. Family Home Evening was also introduced. Other innovations include the calling of regional representatives, a uniform annual report starting in 1967 and further centralization and standardization of tithing in 1970. The Sunday School underwent a reorganization as well.

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