Editing: Community of Christ

# Community of Christ

The **Community of Christ** is an international Christian denomination and the second-largest church in the Latter Day Saint movement, with approximately 250,000 members worldwide. Originally known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) from 1872 to 2001, the church emerged from the succession crisis following Joseph Smith Jr.'s death in 1844 and has evolved into a progressive Christian denomination that emphasizes social justice, inclusivity, and peace [1].

Unlike its larger counterpart, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), Community of Christ has embraced liberal theological positions, ordains women to the priesthood, and welcomes LGBTQ+ members. The denomination describes itself as "a welcoming, loving faith community that values the worth of every person as a child of God" [2].

## Historical Origins and Development

Community of Christ traces its origins to the **Latter Day Saint movement** founded by Joseph Smith Jr. in the 1830s. Following Smith's assassination in 1844, the movement fractured into multiple groups claiming legitimate succession. The largest group followed Brigham Young to Utah, while another significant faction remained in the Midwest under the eventual leadership of Joseph Smith III, the prophet's eldest son [1].

In 1860, Joseph Smith III accepted the leadership of what became known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The "Reorganization" distinguished itself from the Utah-based church by rejecting polygamy, which it claimed was never divinely sanctioned, and by maintaining that the church presidency should remain within the Smith family lineage. This **lineal succession** continued until 1996, when Wallace B. Smith, great-great-grandson of the founder, was succeeded by W. Grant McMurray, breaking the hereditary pattern [1].

The church underwent significant theological and organizational changes throughout the 20th century. In 2001, it officially changed its name to Community of Christ, reflecting its evolution away from traditional Latter Day Saint identity toward a more mainstream Christian orientation focused on community building and social justice [1].

## Beliefs and Practices

Community of Christ maintains a **trinitarian** Christian theology while retaining some distinctive elements from its Latter Day Saint heritage. The church accepts the Bible as scripture alongside the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, though it interprets these texts through a more liberal theological lens than other Latter Day Saint denominations [1].

Key theological principles include:

- **Universal worth of all persons** as children of God
- Emphasis on **social justice** and peacemaking
- **Continuing revelation** through church leadership
- **Sacramental theology** emphasizing grace and community

The church practices infant baptism and adult confirmation, celebrates communion (called the Lord's Supper), and maintains a **priesthood structure** that includes both men and women. Since 1984, Community of Christ has ordained women to all levels of priesthood, including the church's highest offices [1].

Worship services typically feature contemporary Christian music, scripture readings, communion, and sermons focused on practical Christian living and social responsibility. The denomination emphasizes **inclusive worship** that welcomes people regardless of background, sexual orientation, or gender identity [2][4].

## Organization and Leadership

Community of Christ operates under a **hierarchical structure** led by the First Presidency, consisting of a President-Prophet and two counselors. The church is governed by several **quorums of priesthood** including the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, with administrative oversight provided by the Presiding Bishopric [1].

The church's **World Headquarters** is located in Independence, Missouri, which Latter Day Saints consider a sacred site. The headquarters complex includes the Temple, dedicated in 1994 as a center for peace, reconciliation, and healing rather than for traditional temple ordinances practiced by other Latter Day Saint groups [1].

Regional leadership includes **apostles** who oversee geographic areas, **seventies** who provide ministerial support, and local **pastors** and **priests** who lead individual congregations. The church operates in over 50 countries, with significant membership in the United States, Canada, and several developing nations [1].

## Social Positions and Modern Ministry

Community of Christ has distinguished itself through progressive stances on social issues. The church officially supports **LGBTQ+ inclusion**, **racial equality**, **environmental stewardship**, and **economic justice**. These positions reflect the denomination's interpretation of Christian discipleship as requiring active engagement with contemporary social challenges [2][8].

The church operates various ministries including:

- **Community of Christ Peace and Justice Ministries**
- **Graceland University** in Iowa
- **Herald House Publishing**
- International humanitarian and development programs

Local congregations often engage in community service projects, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for marginalized populations. The denomination's emphasis on "building Zion" is interpreted as creating communities of justice, peace, and reconciliation rather than establishing a literal gathering place [4][6].

## Relationship to Other Latter Day Saint Groups

While maintaining its Latter Day Saint heritage, Community of Christ has developed a complex relationship with other branches of the movement. The church acknowledges shared origins with the LDS Church but emphasizes significant theological and practical differences, particularly regarding **continuing revelation**, **social progressivism**, and **ecclesiastical authority** [1].

Community of Christ participates in ecumenical Christian organizations and is a member of the **World Council of Churches**, reflecting its integration into mainstream Christianity. This contrasts with the more separatist approach of some other Latter Day Saint denominations [1].

The church maintains the **Kirtland Temple** in Ohio, built during Joseph Smith's lifetime, as a historic site and place of worship, while the LDS Church controls most other early Latter Day Saint historical sites [1].

## Related Topics

- Latter Day Saint movement
- Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
- Joseph Smith III
- Book of Mormon
- Kirtland Temple
- Progressive Christianity
- Priesthood of all believers
- World Council of Churches

## Summary

Community of Christ is a progressive Christian denomination that emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement, emphasizing social justice, inclusivity, and peace while maintaining some distinctive scriptural and organizational elements from its 19th-century origins.

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