Dear Derek,

            The word “key” represents the concept of opening up or turning on. Priesthood keys are held by the person who has the authority to permit the priesthood to function. The priesthood cannot be used by anyone unless permission is given for its use by the person holding the requisite keys of priesthood authority.

            The president of the church and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve hold all the keys of priesthood authority. Certain of these keys are delegated to other priesthood bearers, including stake presidents, priesthood quorum presidents, bishops and the head of the home. Each authority has the keys to activate the priesthood in the organization under his jurisdiction. For instance, baptism or administering to the sacrament cannot be performed without the permission of the bishop or one of the officers to whom the bishop has delegated his authority. (See D&C 68:13-21) Prayer in the home or administering to the sick would properly be done under the authority of and by permission of the head of the home, who presides over the home by virtue of the priesthood that he holds.

            We also read the following in the Doctrine and Covenants—

            The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same. (D&C 107:15)

                        The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church. (D&C 107:18)

            The prophet Joseph Smith made this statement about the keys held by the Quorum of the Twelve—

            “A High Priest is a member of the same Melchizedek Priesthood with the Presidency, but not of the same power or authority in the Church. The Seventies are also members of the same priesthood, [i.e., the High Priesthood], are a sort of traveling council or Priesthood, and may preside over a church or churches, until a High Priest can be had. The Seventies are to be taken from the quorum of Elders, and are not to be High Priests. They are subject to the direction and dictation of the Twelve, who have the keys of the ministry.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Two 1834–37, p.112)

            —Gramps