Priesthood Restoration
- The restoring of priesthood authority to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by heavenly messengers — John the Baptist for the Aaronic Priesthood, and Peter, James, and John for the Melchizedek Priesthood.
In 1829 John the Baptist appeared and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood; soon after, the ancient apostles Peter, James, and John conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood and its keys. This restored authority is what the Church claims sets it apart from other churches.