kids encyclopedia robot

Community of Christ facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Community of Christ
Community of Christ Seal and Nameplate.png
Abbreviation CoC
Classification Restorationist
Orientation Latter Day Saint movement
Scripture
Theology
Polity Hierarchical
Prophet-President Stassi D. Cramm
Associations National Council of Churches
Headquarters Independence, Missouri, United States
Founder Joseph Smith III
Origin
  • April 6, 1830 (Church of Christ)
  • April 6, 1860 (Reorganization)
  • April 6, 2001 (Community of Christ)

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
Members 250,000
Tertiary institutions 1
Other name(s) Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (legal name)

The Community of Christ is a Christian church with members around the world. It was known for many years as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS). This church is the second-largest group within the Latter Day Saint movement.

Today, the Community of Christ has about 250,000 members in 1,100 congregations across 59 countries. The church began on April 6, 1830, when Joseph Smith started the Church of Christ. Later, his oldest son, Joseph Smith III, became the leader on April 6, 1860.

The Community of Christ believes in restoring early Christian practices. It shares some beliefs with other Latter Day Saint groups, like having ongoing prophets, a special priesthood, and using the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants as scripture. They also believe in building temples and working towards Zion.

However, the Community of Christ is different from the larger Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It believes in the traditional Trinity (God as three persons) and focuses on salvation by grace. The church welcomes people with many different beliefs and teaches that "all are called" to "share the peace of Christ."

The church's main office is in Independence, Missouri. From there, it focuses on sharing its message, promoting peace and justice, and supporting youth programs.

History of the Community of Christ

IndependenceTemple
The Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, US. Dedicated in 1994.

The Community of Christ sees itself as a continuation of the original church started by Joseph Smith in 1830. They believe Joseph Smith III, Joseph Smith's oldest son, was the rightful leader after his father.

The church was officially reorganized on April 6, 1860, in Amboy, Illinois. In 1872, the word Reorganized was added to its name. This church was founded on the idea that leadership should pass down through Joseph Smith's family. It offered a different path from other Latter Day Saint groups, like those led by Brigham Young. The Community of Christ has always been against plural marriage.

The church considers the years 1830 to 1844 as its early history. The time from 1844 (when Joseph Smith died) to 1860 was a period of disorganization. Since 1844, the beliefs and practices of the Community of Christ have developed differently from other Latter Day Saint groups.

Changes in Beliefs and Practices

During the 1900s, the church made many changes, moving closer to the ideas of other mainstream Protestant churches. Since the 1960s, as the church grew outside North America, it began to rethink its traditional ways.

In 1984, Wallace B. Smith, the church president, announced a revelation. This led to building the Independence Temple and allowing women to become priests. After Smith retired, W. Grant McMurray became president. He was the first church president not directly related to Joseph Smith. This was a big change for some members.

These changes caused some members to leave and form new churches. However, the church continued to grow, especially outside the United States. Many new members joined from other countries, like Australia.

In 1996, the church adopted new vision and mission statements. These statements highlight the church's focus on peace and justice. The mission statement says, "We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love and peace." The vision statement adds, "We will become a worldwide church dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit."

Kirtlandtemple2 ArM
The Kirtland Temple. Owned and operated by the Community of Christ until 2024.

Important Church Sites

The church's main headquarters is the Independence Temple in Independence, Missouri. The church also owns and manages other historic sites in Lamoni, Iowa, and Plano, Illinois.

The Auditorium in Independence is where the church holds its major meetings, called the World Conference, every three years. The church also supports Graceland University, which has campuses in Lamoni and Independence.

For over 100 years, the church owned and operated the Kirtland Temple. However, on March 5, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) bought the Kirtland Temple. Other historic sites in Nauvoo, Illinois, like the Red Brick Store and Smith Family Homestead, were also transferred in this sale.

Teachings and Practices

CommunityofChrist PeaceSeal
Church seal (including a child with the lamb and lion) on a set of doors to the Independence Temple

The Community of Christ believes that understanding truth is always shaped by human experience. Because of this, it does not have a strict religious creed. Instead, the church shares "generally accepted beliefs." As church president Stephen M. Veazey said in 2006, the church "provides light for the way as well as space for the personal faith journey."

The Community of Christ accepts the idea of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). A strong belief in the Community of Christ is the idea of Zion. This means creating communities that reflect God's kingdom, focusing on peace and justice. The church also believes in ongoing prophetic leadership and uses the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants as additional scriptures.

God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit

The Community of Christ teaches that God is "one eternal living God" who is "triune" (three in one). God is seen as the Creator and the source of love, life, and truth. They believe only God should be worshipped.

Jesus Christ is described as both the Savior and "a living expression of God." The church believes Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected. Jesus is central to their worship and study. The Holy Spirit is seen as God's "continuing presence in the world" and the source of divine inspiration.

Focus on Peace

The Community of Christ is known as a "peace and justice church." The Independence Temple was built and "dedicated to the pursuit of peace". Every day at 1 PM, a Daily Prayer for Peace is held in the Temple.

The church's focus on peace has been influenced by groups like the Mennonite Central Committee. Since 1993, the church has given out the Community of Christ International Peace Award each year. The church's official vision statement talks about "peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit." They believe that because of their commitment to Christ, they should work for peace and justice for everyone.

The Concept of Zion

In the Community of Christ, Zion is connected to the idea of the "kingdom of God." It is based on Jesus' teachings about the kingdom in the Bible. At first, Zion was thought of as a specific city, sometimes called the New Jerusalem, in Independence, Missouri.

Today, Zion is understood more as a way of living or a state of being. It is not just a place. The church officially states that "the 'cause of Zion' expresses our commitment to pursuing God's kingdom through the establishment of Christ-centered communities." This means creating loving communities in families, churches, neighborhoods, and around the world.

Priesthood Service

About one in ten members of the church serve in a priesthood role. Most of these ministers are volunteers who also have other jobs. The church also has a smaller group of paid ministers who work as administrators or missionaries.

Priesthood members are called to teach and share the message of Jesus Christ. Both priesthood members and other church members (laity) help lead the church's work at the local level. In most churches, pastors and other leaders are volunteers. In 1984, the church decided that women could also serve in the priesthood.

Stewardship and Giving

In 2002, the Community of Christ introduced a new way of thinking about stewardship and giving, called the "Disciples' Generous Response." Before this, members were taught to give a certain amount (tithing) based on their income.

The new approach emphasizes being generous in all parts of life, as a response to God's generosity. Tithing is not just about giving money to the church. It can also include giving to other charitable organizations. The church believes that this broader view of giving will encourage more members to live generously.

Sacraments

Community of Christ Communion (29891213377)
Communion for a Community of Christ meeting in Provo, Utah

The Community of Christ believes that sacraments (or ordinances) show God's presence in the church and in people's lives. Sacraments are seen as symbolic actions that help people connect with God and renew their spiritual journey. They are viewed as promises made with God.

The Community of Christ practices eight sacraments: baptism, confirmation, blessing of children, The Lord's Supper, marriage, ministration to the sick, ordination, and Evangelist's Blessing. The practice of Laying on of hands is used in several of these sacraments.

Scripture and Holy Books

The Community of Christ believes that Jesus Christ is the living Word of God. They use the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants as scripture. The church teaches that scripture should be "reasonably interpreted and faithfully applied."

They see the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants as "additional witnesses of Christ's ministry and God's love." The church understands scripture as an inspired record of God's actions with people. They do not usually believe that scriptures are the exact "words of God" in every detail.

The Bible

Like other Christians, the Community of Christ uses the Bible as a main scripture. Members read the Old Testament and New Testament in church and for personal study. They are encouraged to think deeply about what Bible passages mean.

A famous Bible verse for the church is James 1:5–6: "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting." This verse inspired Joseph Smith when he was young.

The Community of Christ does not require a specific Bible translation. While Joseph Smith started a revision of the King James Version, the church today often uses newer translations like the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). The church does not believe the Bible is perfect in every way. Members are encouraged to understand the history and meaning of Bible passages, not just take everything literally.

The Book of Mormon

Book of Mormon 1830 edition reprint
Book of Mormon 1830 reprint (facsimile of first copy of the Book of Mormon) by Herald Heritage. Reprinted in 1970, Independence, Missouri.

The Community of Christ views the Book of Mormon as another witness of Jesus Christ. Their publishing house, Herald House, prints two versions of the book. One is based on the original manuscript and the 1837 edition. Its content is similar to the Book of Mormon used by the LDS Church, but the verse numbering is different. They also publish a "Revised Authorized Edition" from 1966, which updates some of the language.

In 2007, church president Stephen M. Veazey stated that while the church affirms the Book of Mormon as scripture, members are not required to believe in it in a specific way. He said that belief in the Book of Mormon is not a test for being a member of the church.

The Community of Christ's official position says: "With other Christians, we affirm the Bible as the foundational scripture for the church. In addition, the Community of Christ uses the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants as scripture. We do not use these sacred writings to replace the witness of the Bible or improve upon it, but because they confirm its message that Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God."

The Book of Doctrine and Covenants

The Community of Christ's edition of the Doctrine and Covenants is a growing collection of inspired documents. These documents come from the prophet-presidents recognized by the Community of Christ. New sections are added to this book over time.

Working with Other Faiths

The Community of Christ has worked to connect with other Christian churches. They often point out that they have never supported polygamy and have always allowed people of any race to become priests. They do not have a required creed, only asking for faith in Christ for baptism. They accept the Trinity and have been in discussions with groups like the National Council of Churches (NCC).

On November 10, 2010, the Community of Christ was approved to join the National Council of Churches. This made them the 37th member of this group of churches. They also continue to talk with the World Council of Churches (WCC).

Women in Leadership

The church opened its priesthood to women in 1984. In 1998, Gail E. Mengel and Linda L. Booth became the first two women apostles. In 2007, Becky L. Savage became the first woman to serve in the First Presidency, which is the church's highest leadership group.

In 2013, Linda L. Booth became the first woman to lead the Council of Twelve. In 2016, Stassi D. Cramm became the first woman to lead the church's finances as presiding bishop. Jane M. Gardner became the church's first female presiding evangelist. On June 1, 2025, Cramm was ordained as the ninth prophet-president, becoming the first woman to hold this top leadership position.

Inclusion of All People

The church is welcoming of all people. In 2012, church conferences in Canada and Australia suggested changes to allow people in same-sex relationships to serve in the priesthood and to allow same-sex marriages. These changes were later approved for those countries.

In 2013, the US National Conference also recommended similar changes. As a result, in March 2014, the church leadership in the United States approved policies to allow same-sex marriages where legal and to allow all church members to serve in the priesthood, regardless of their sexual orientation or relationship status. Similar discussions and policy changes have also happened in other countries like Ireland and Great Britain.

Church Organization

StoneChurchIndependenceMO
The Community of Christ Stone Church in Independence, Missouri, formerly the church headquarters

The Community of Christ is led by a First Presidency. This group includes a president (who is seen as a prophet) and two counselors. The church's ministries are guided by a Council of Twelve Apostles. The church's money matters are handled by the Presiding Bishopric. These three groups together form the World Church Leadership Council.

Other important leaders include the Presiding Evangelist and leaders of other church groups. Every three years, delegates from around the world meet with these leaders at the World Conference to vote on church business.

The church has about 250,000 members in 1,100 congregations across 59 countries. Many members live in Africa, the United States, and the Pacific region. More than half of the active members speak a language other than English. The church translates its materials into many languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Swahili.

For organization, the church divides the world into "fields." Each field is led by a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. Fields are further divided into "Mission Centers," which are led by a president. Mission centers are made up of local congregations, each led by a pastor.

|

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Comunidad de Cristo para niños

kids search engine
Community of Christ Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.