A progressive Christian denomination that evolved from the Latter Day Saint movement, with a strong focus on peace, justice, and community.
The Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), is a Christian denomination with deep roots in the Latter Day Saint movement. This international church, headquartered in Independence, Missouri, represents the second-largest denomination within the movement and has a rich history spanning over 150 years.
Origins and Early History
The church’s story begins in the tumultuous period following the death of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, in 1844. His assassination sparked a succession crisis that led to the fragmentation of the original church. While the majority of Smith’s followers aligned with Brigham Young, eventually forming the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a significant number rejected Young’s leadership and the practices he introduced, such as plural marriage.
These dissenting members, led by Jason W. Briggs and Zenos H. Gurley Sr., began to reorganize in the 1850s. They believed that the rightful successor to Joseph Smith should be a direct descendant of the prophet. In 1860, Joseph Smith III, the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith Jr., accepted the leadership of this reorganized church, becoming its first president.
Under Joseph Smith III’s leadership, the RLDS Church distinguished itself from the Utah-based LDS Church in several key ways. It rejected the practice of plural marriage, maintained its headquarters in the Midwest (initially in Plano, Illinois, and later in Lamoni, Iowa), and emphasized a more conventional Christian theology. The church also retained ownership of the Kirtland Temple in Ohio, one of the earliest Latter Day Saint temples.
Expansion and Development
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the RLDS Church expanded its missionary efforts, establishing congregations across the United States and in various countries around the world. The church’s headquarters were eventually moved to Independence, Missouri, which Joseph Smith Jr. had designated as the center place of Zion.
The church originally called itself the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, adding “Reorganized” to its name in 1872. This name change was part of the church’s effort to position itself as a mainstream alternative to other Latter Day Saint denominations, particularly the larger LDS Church led by Brigham Young.
Theological Evolution and Modernization
In the latter half of the 20th century, the RLDS Church underwent significant changes in its theology and practices. Under the leadership of W. Wallace Smith and his successors, the church began to distance itself from some of its more distinctive Latter Day Saint beliefs and move closer to mainstream Protestant Christianity. This shift included a reevaluation of the Book of Mormon and the role of Joseph Smith Jr. in church history.
The church’s proselytizing outside North America led to a re-assessment and gradual evolution of its traditional practices and beliefs. This period of change, which some scholars have termed the “RLDS Reformation,” saw the church shift towards mainline Protestant religious thought.
Significant events during this period of transformation include the construction of the Independence Temple and the ordination of women to the priesthood in 1984. The latter decision, in particular, marked a major departure from traditional Latter Day Saint practice and further distinguished the church from its roots.
Name Change and Modern Identity
In 2001, the church officially changed its name to the Community of Christ, reflecting its evolving identity and mission. This name change was part of a broader effort to emphasize the church’s focus on Jesus Christ and its commitment to peace and social justice.
Today, the Community of Christ’s theology is characterized by its emphasis on the worth of all persons, the pursuit of peace, and responsible stewardship of creation. The church practices open communion and has continued to embrace progressive policies, including the acceptance of non-traditional family structures and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Organizational Structure and Global Presence
Community of Christ reports approximately 250,000 members in over 60 nations. It is organized into numerous congregations and is governed by a World Conference, which convenes triennially. The church’s organizational structure includes a First Presidency, Council of Twelve Apostles, and various quorums and orders of priesthood.
The church owns two significant temples: the Kirtland Temple in Ohio and the Independence Temple in Missouri. These sites serve not only as places of worship but also as important historical landmarks within the broader Latter Day Saint movement.
Worship and Teachings
The church’s worship follows a free-form style that places a strong foundation on scripture, based on the Revised Common Lectionary. While Community of Christ does not adopt an official religious creed, it offers a number of commonly held beliefs among its members and leaders. These include acceptance of the doctrine of the Trinity, the concept of Zion (both as a present reality and a future community), and the belief in prophetic leadership.
The church’s teachings are rooted in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants. However, the denomination encourages a flexible approach to scriptural interpretation, emphasizing individual interpretation and personal revelation over a fundamentalist reading. This approach aligns with their broader emphasis on scholarship and faith in understanding religious texts.
Vision and Mission
In 1996, Community of Christ adopted vision and mission statements that reflect its dedication to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit. The church proclaims Jesus Christ and promotes communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. It is particularly known for its peace and justice-centered ministries.
The church’s mission initiatives focus on abolishing poverty, ending suffering, pursuing peace on earth, developing disciples to serve, and experiencing congregations in mission. These goals reflect the church’s commitment to social justice and its desire to create positive change in the world.
Challenges and Controversies
Throughout its history, Community of Christ has faced various challenges and controversies, particularly regarding changes in beliefs and practices. These changes have led to schisms and the formation of breakaway groups, especially among more conservative members who disagreed with the church’s increasingly liberal stance.
The church has also experienced a decline in membership and contributions in the United States, although this has been somewhat offset by an increase in converts outside the country. This shift in demographics has led to further changes in the church’s global perspective and approach to ministry.
Conclusion
Community of Christ stands as a unique entity within the landscape of Christian denominations. Its journey from a reorganized Latter Day Saint church to a progressive, peace-focused Christian denomination reflects a remarkable evolution in religious thought and practice. While maintaining connections to its historical roots, Community of Christ has carved out a distinct identity, characterized by its emphasis on inclusivity, social justice, and personal spiritual growth.
As the church continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it remains committed to its vision of creating communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. Through its global ministries and progressive theology, Community of Christ continues to play a significant role in shaping contemporary Christian thought and practice, offering a unique blend of Latter Day Saint heritage and progressive Christian values.
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