Global InformationCommunity of Christ information
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (June 2022) |
| Community of Christ | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | CoC |
| Classification | Restorationist |
| Orientation | Latter Day Saint movement |
| Scripture |
|
| Theology |
|
| Polity | Hierarchical |
| President | Stephen M. Veazey |
| Associations | National Council of Churches |
| Headquarters | Independence, Missouri, United States |
| Founder | Joseph Smith III |
| Origin |
|
| Separations | Josephite denominations (such as Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Restoration branches and Church of Jesus Christ (Zion's Branch)) |
| Congregations | 1,100[1] |
| Members | 250,000[1] |
| Other name(s) | Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (legal name) |
| Official website | cofchrist |
Community of Christ, known from 1872 to 2001 as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), is an American-based international church,[2] and is the second-largest denomination in the Latter Day Saint movement. The church reports approximately 250,000 members in 1,100 congregations in 59 countries.[1] The church traces its origins to Joseph Smith's establishment of the Church of Christ on April 6, 1830.[3] His eldest son Joseph Smith III formally accepted leadership of the church on April 6, 1860[4] in the aftermath of the 1844 death of Joseph Smith.
Various Community of Christ practices and beliefs are congruent with mainline Protestant Christianity. Simultaneously, it is a Restorationist faith expression. While it generally rejects the term Mormon to describe its members, the church abides by a number of theological distinctions unusual outside Mormonism, including but not limited to: ongoing prophetic leadership, a priesthood polity, the use of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants as scripture, belief in the cause of Zion, the building of temples, and an interpretation of the Word of Wisdom.[5][6][7][8][9] In many respects, the church differs from the larger Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and most other Latter Day Saint denominations in its religious liberalism, belief in the traditional conception of the trinity (as opposed to a godhead of three separate and distinct beings), and rejection of exaltation and the plan of salvation. Salvation is considered a personal matter and not subject to dogma, but salvation by grace alone is emphasized. The church considers itself to be non-creedal and accepts people with a wide range of beliefs. Church teachings emphasize that "all are called" as "persons of worth" to "share the peace of Christ".[2]
Community of Christ worship follows a free-form worship placing more of the foundation on scripture based on the Revised Common Lectionary.[10] From its headquarters in Independence, Missouri, the church offers a special focus on evangelism, peace and justice ministries, spirituality and wholeness, youth ministries and outreach ministries.[11]
- ^ a b c "Community of Christ and Consolidated Affiliates Consolidated Financial Report" (PDF). December 31, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- ^ a b Faith and Beliefs, Community of Christ, archived from the original on July 30, 2012, retrieved October 11, 2013
- ^ Staff (undated). "The Early Church (1830)". Community of Christ. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
- ^ Edwards, Paul M. (1991). Our Legacy of Faith: A Brief History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Herald House. pp. 132, 163. ISBN 0-8309-0594-4.
- ^ Section 161, Doctrine and Covenants, Community of Christ
- ^ Section 162, Doctrine and Covenants, Community of Christ
- ^ Section 163, Doctrine and Covenants Archived 2010-01-20 at the Wayback Machine, Community of Christ
- ^ Presidential Address of April 5, 2009 Archived June 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Community of Christ
- ^ Pastoral Letter on Intoxicants
- ^ [1] webpage retrieved April 27, 2019
- ^ Community of Christ Ministries and Services, webpage, retrieved June 17, 2006