Discover the Community of Christ: A Journey of Faith and Inclusivity

Introduction

The Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is a Christian denomination with a unique history and a distinctive approach to faith and spirituality. Founded in the mid-19th century, the Community of Christ has grown into a global community with over 250,000 members in more than 60 countries.

This comprehensive guide explores the history, beliefs, practices, and values of the Community of Christ, providing insights into its transformative journey and ongoing commitment to inclusive faith and social justice.

History and Origins

The Latter Day Saint Movement

The Community of Christ traces its roots to the Latter Day Saint movement founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. Smith claimed to have received divine revelations leading to the establishment of the Church of Christ in 1830. Over time, the movement divided into several factions, including the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), which later evolved into the Community of Christ.

Formation of the RLDS

In 1851, a group of Latter Day Saints dissatisfied with the leadership of Brigham Young led by Joseph Smith III, the eldest son of Joseph Smith Jr., founded the RLDS. The RLDS rejected the polygamous practices adopted by Young’s faction and emphasized a more liberal and progressive interpretation of Smith’s teachings.

Beliefs and Practices

• God and Jesus Christ: The Community of Christ believes in the existence of God the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity.
• The Bible: While considering the Bible as a sacred text, the Community of Christ also recognizes the importance of ongoing revelation and the authority of the living prophet.
• Sacraments: The Community of Christ practices two sacraments: baptism and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
• Leadership: The church is led by a prophet, who is both the spiritual and administrative head. The prophet is assisted by a Council of Twelve Apostles and a First Presidency.
• Mission: The Community of Christ is committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and fostering a just and compassionate society.

Key Distinctions from Latter-day Saint Denominations

While sharing some historical roots, the Community of Christ differs significantly from other Latter-day Saint denominations, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), in several key aspects:

• Polygamy: The Community of Christ has always rejected the practice of polygamy.
• Revelation: The Community of Christ believes that ongoing revelation continues to guide the church, while the LDS Church considers the canon of scripture as closed.
• Leadership: The Community of Christ has a decentralized leadership structure with an emphasis on shared responsibility, while the LDS Church has a centralized authority structure.

Inclusivity and Social Justice

The Community of Christ is known for its commitment to inclusivity and social justice. The church:

• Ordains women to the priesthood: The Community of Christ has ordained women to the priesthood since 1984.
• Supports LGBTQ+ rights: The church has been a vocal advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and has approved same-sex marriage since 2015.
• Engages in social service: The Community of Christ operates numerous social service programs around the world, including food banks, homeless shelters, and refugee support.

Governance and Structure

The Community of Christ is governed by the following bodies:

• World Conference: The governing body of the church, which meets every two years to set policy and elect leadership.
• Prophet and First Presidency: The prophet and two counselors who serve as the highest administrative authorities.
• Council of Twelve Apostles: A council of twelve men who advise the prophet and serve as leaders throughout the church.
• Regional and local organizations: The church is organized into regions, stakes, and congregations around the world.

Conclusion

The Community of Christ is a dynamic and growing Christian denomination with a rich history, a distinctive set of beliefs and practices, and a strong commitment to inclusivity and social justice. Its journey of faith has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a unwavering dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Whether you are exploring your faith, seeking a spiritual community, or simply curious about religious diversity, the Community of Christ offers a welcoming and transformative experience.

Author: Patrick Shell

Admin of holycompass.com.