Editing Community of Christ (section)

==Teachings and practices==
[[File:CommunityofChrist PeaceSeal.jpg|thumb|upright|Church seal (including a child with [[the lamb and lion]]) on a set of doors to the Independence Temple|alt=]]
The Community of Christ states that it recognizes that "perception of truth is always qualified by human nature and experience" and it therefore has not adopted an official religious creed. Nevertheless, the Community of Christ offers a number of the commonly held beliefs of its members and leaders as the "generally accepted beliefs of the church".<ref name="coc_beliefs" /> As [[Stephen M. Veazey]], president of the church stated in 2006, "Community of Christ is a church that provides light for the way as well as space for the personal faith journey."<ref>Veazey, Stephen M., "Up Front", ''[[Herald (Community of Christ)|Herald]]'', August 2006, p. 5</ref>

After the death of Smith rended the initial movement, Community of Christ emerged as what historian Jan Shipps called a simultaneous "new creation" and "extension... of the original".<ref>{{Harvnb|Shipps|2002|pages=196–197}}.</ref> In the twentieth century, Community of Christ underwent a "liberal protestantization" and is "[l]ike other mainline and liberal Protestantisms", Vanel explains.<ref>{{Harvnb|Vanel|2017|pages=95, 108}}.</ref>

The Community of Christ generally accepts the [[doctrine]] of the [[Trinity]] and other commonly held Christian beliefs. The concept of [[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|Zion]] as both a present reality of Christian living and as a hoped for community of the future is a rather strongly held belief in the Community of Christ and it ties closely to the peace and justice emphasis of the denomination. The movement also differs from most other Christian faiths in its belief in prophetic leadership, in the [[Book of Mormon]], and in an open canon of scripture recorded in its version of the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], which is regularly appended.

===God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit===
The Community of Christ teaches that the "one eternal living God is triune". It acknowledges God, who is a "community of three persons", as the Creator and the Source of love, life, and truth. It states that "[t]his God alone is worthy of worship." Jesus Christ is described as both Savior and as "a living expression of God" and is acknowledged as having lived, died, and been resurrected. As the name of the denomination implies, [[Jesus Christ]] is central to its members' study and worship. The Community of Christ's Theology Task Force states that "Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh, both fully human and fully divine."<ref>Theology Task Force (Community of Christ), "We Proclaim Jesus Christ", Saints Herald, August 2006, p. 13.</ref> The Holy Spirit is described as the "continuing presence of God in the world" and as the source of divine inspiration.<ref name="coc_beliefs" />

===Peace===
In keeping with the Community of Christ's role as a "peace and justice church", the [[Independence Temple]] was "dedicated to the pursuit of [[peace]]".<ref>[[Doctrine and Covenants]], Section 156:5</ref> Every day at 1&nbsp;pm a [[Daily Prayer for Peace]] is held in the [[sanctuary]] of the Independence Temple. The church's peace position was influenced by the [[Mennonite Central Committee]] Peace and Justice Education Associate. In addition, the [[Community of Christ International Peace Award]] has been bestowed annually since 1993 (except 1996). The call to "peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit" is a recurring theme of the Community of Christ and is reflected in its official vision statement. Doctrinal statements by the church suggest that "because of our commitment to Christ and belief in the worth of all people and the value of community building, we dedicate our lives to the pursuit of peace and justice for all people."<ref name="coc_beliefs"/> 

===Concept of Zion===
The concept of [[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|Zion]] in the Community of Christ relates to a theology of the "kingdom of God". As a doctrine, it is therefore closely founded upon the kingdom parables of Jesus as recorded in the four gospels. Based on references in the Bible to Mt. Zion or simply Zion, it was initially regarded as a city, sometimes called the [[New Jerusalem]]. Prior to 1920, most members of the RLDS Church identified Independence, Missouri, as Zion or the New Jerusalem. As New Testament understandings of [[Kingdom of God|basileia]], as the realm or the domain of God, have gradually taken root among members of the denomination, Zion is now understood more as a cause, as a way of living or as a state of existence, and is usually not regarded as having its foundation in a specific place. Officially, the denomination states that "[t]he 'cause of Zion' expresses our commitment to pursuing God's kingdom through the establishment of Christ-centered communities in families, congregations, neighborhoods, cities, and throughout the world."<ref name="coc_beliefs"/> While the Concept of Zion is rarely associated with the [[Jews|Jewish]] concept of [[Zionism]], some members of the RLDS Church from [[Maine]], intrigued by the doctrine of Zion, established a refugee center near [[Tel Aviv]] during the initial return of the [[Jewish diaspora]] to [[Israel]] in the early 1900s.

===Priesthood===
Nearly one in ten members of the church hold a [[Priesthood (Community of Christ)|priesthood]] office. These are primarily unpaid bi-vocational ministers. The church does maintain a relatively small group of professional ministers who typically serve as administrators, financial officers or missionaries. Priesthood members are called to teach and preach the gospel or "good news" of Jesus Christ. The ministry of the church at the congregational level is led by priesthood members and is carried out by all members of the priesthood and the laity. In most congregations the pastors and other elected and appointed leadership positions are unpaid positions. The right of women to hold the priesthood was recognized by a church conference in 1984.<ref>[http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/rlds.html University of Virginia Library<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122190512/http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/rlds.html |date=November 22, 2007 }}</ref>

===Stewardship===
The "Disciples' Generous Response" (or "A Disciple's Generous Response") was announced in April 2002 as the name given by the Community of Christ to a major rethinking of its [[stewardship]] theology and practices.<ref>[http://www.cofchrist.org/generosity/ A Disciple’s Generous Response] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126110040/http://www.cofchrist.org/generosity/ |date=2011-01-26 }}, webpage, retrieved June 24, 2006</ref> Prior to this program, members of the Community of Christ were taught that a stewardship principle known as "increase" determined the base amount for [[tithing]] to be paid to the church.

Based in part on teachings by writers such as [[Walter Brueggemann]] and [[Leonard Sweet]], the Disciple's Generous Response can be traced to a theology or liturgy of abundance, as well as the principle of receiving God's abundance. Like many recent enhancements of church doctrine and practice, it is described as belonging to a [[postmodernism]] trend in thinking within the church.<ref>[http://www.cofchrist.org/templeschool/Curriculum/te231.asp Stewardship: An Old Path Made New] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120724074130/http://www.cofchrist.org/templeschool/Curriculum/te231.asp |date=2012-07-24 }}, webpage, retrieved June 24, 2006</ref> While carefully built upon the many differing stewardship principles in both overall Christian and specific Community of Christ traditions, the new thinking emphasizes a natural generosity in all of life lived as response to the overwhelming and incomparable generosity of God. As such, tithing is not limited to World Church giving as in the past, or even to the church at all. Through the principle of community tithes, almost any charitable organization to which a disciple contributes could be considered tithing. While most giving is now seen as tithing, the typical interpretation is that a majority of one's tithing should be given in Mission Tithes (Tithes to Local and World Church) and the minority to Community Tithes (Organizations like Outreach International, [[Graceland University]], Restoration Trails Foundation, World Accord, etc.). The church teaches the principle of community tithes believing that it will not decrease giving to the church, but rather increase it as more members embrace a fully generous and responsive way of living.

===Sacraments===
[[File:Community of Christ Communion (29891213377).jpg|thumb|Communion for a Community of Christ meeting in Provo, Utah]]
Members commonly believe that [[sacraments (Community of Christ)|sacraments]] (or ordinances) express the abiding presence of God in the life of the church, its members and priesthood. Sacraments are considered metaphorical acts designed to create and renew a person's spiritual relationship with God. Sacraments are viewed as covenants with God in response to God's grace. The Community of Christ practices eight sacraments:{{sfn|Bolton|Gardner|2005}}{{Page needed|date=June 2022}} [[baptism]], [[Confirmation (sacrament)|confirmation]], blessing of children, [[The Lord's Supper]], [[marriage]], ministration to the sick, [[ordination]], and [[Patriarchal Blessing|Evangelist's Blessing]]. [[Laying on of hands]] is used in confirmation, ordination, the blessing of children, ministration to the sick, and Evangelist's blessing.

===Scripture===
The Community of Christ points to Jesus Christ as the living Word of God<ref>Community of Christ Theology Task Force, "Scripture in the Community of Christ," ''[[Saints Herald]]'', August 2006, p. 15.</ref> and it affirms the [[Bible]] (including but not limited to [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible|the Inspired Version of the Holy Scriptures]]) along with the [[Book of Mormon]] and the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], as scripture for the church. The Community of Christ view of scripture is that it should be "reasonably interpreted and faithfully applied". Scripture references provided for congregational worship generally follow the [[Revised Common Lectionary]]. The church views the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants as "additional witnesses of Christ's ministry and God's love." The Community of Christ understands scripture as an inspired record of God's activity with humanity. While it recognizes scripture as the [[revelation]] of God, its members would not typically suggest that scriptures constitute the literal "words of God".<ref>Marge Nelson, "Faith and Beliefs:Scripture", ''The Herald'', July 2003, pp. 22–23.</ref> 

====Bible====
In unity with Christianity, the Community of Christ upholds the Bible as scripture. Adherents read and reference both the Hebrew [[Old Testament]] and the Christian [[New Testament]] in public worship as well as in private study. The church encourages prayerful meditation upon the meaning and the importance of Bible passages. "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" (James 1:5–6) is an oft quoted passage from the New Testament, as well as being the scripture reference that [[Joseph Smith]] read when he was trying, as a boy, to determine what church to join. His experience following his reading of this scripture resulted in the eventual organization of the [[Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints)|Church of Christ]].

The Community of Christ does not prescribe a single translation of the Bible. Although Smith began a project to revise the [[King James Version]] by inspiration during his lifetime, the liturgy of the church today is usually based on more recent translations of the Bible. Upon Smith's death, the working manuscript of his translation was retained by his family and came into the possession of the Community of Christ. The work was edited and is published by the church as the [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible|Inspired Version]] of the Bible. Since it largely relies on the language of the King James Version, most official publications of the Community of Christ quote scripture from newer versions such as the [[New Revised Standard Version]] (NRSV). The Community of Christ does not view scripture, including the Bible, as inerrant. Members are encouraged to understand the historical and literary context of Bible passages and are not required to interpret all of the language literally.<ref>Community of Christ Temple School, "An Introduction to Scripture",  SS201, 2001.</ref>

====Book of Mormon====
{{Further|Origin of the Book of Mormon}}
[[File:Book of Mormon 1830 edition reprint.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|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 an additional witness of Jesus Christ and publishes two versions of the book through its official publishing arm, [[Herald House]]. The Authorized Edition is based on the original printer's manuscript and the 1837 Second Edition (or Kirtland Edition) of the Book of Mormon. Its content is similar to the Book of Mormon published by [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church), but the versification is different. The Community of Christ also publishes a 1966 "Revised Authorized Edition" which attempts to modernize some of the language.

In 2001, church president [[W. Grant McMurray]] reflected on increasing questions about the Book of Mormon: "The proper use of the Book of Mormon as sacred scripture has been under wide discussion in the 1970s and beyond, in part because of long-standing questions about its historicity and in part because of perceived theological inadequacies, including matters of race and ethnicity."<ref>McMurray, W. Grant, "They "Shall Blossom as the Rose": Native Americans and the Dream of Zion", an address delivered on February 17, 2001, accessed on Community of Christ website, September 1, 2006 at https://web.archive.org/web/20070817021355/http://cofchrist.org/docs/NativeAmericanConference/keynote.asp</ref> 

At the 2007 Community of Christ World Conference, church president Stephen M. Veazey ruled as out of order a resolution to "reaffirm the Book of Mormon as a divinely inspired record". In so doing he stated that "while the Church affirms the Book of Mormon as scripture, and makes it available for study and use in various languages, we do not attempt to mandate the degree of belief or use. This position is in keeping with our longstanding tradition that belief in the Book of Mormon is not to be used as a test of fellowship or membership in the church."<ref>Andrew M. Shields, "Official Minutes of Business Session, Wednesday March 28, 2007", in 2007 World Conference Thursday Bulletin, March 29, 2007. Community of Christ, 2007</ref>

The Community of Christ's official stance has stated about the Book of Mormon (under Affirmation Nine):<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cofchrist.org/ourfaith/scripture.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203203429/http://www.cofchrist.org/ourfaith/scripture.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-02-03|title=Scripture in the Community of Christ<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><blockquote>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 (Preface of the Book of Mormon; Doctrine and Covenants 76:3g).</blockquote>

====Book of Doctrine and Covenants====
The Community of Christ edition of the [[Doctrine and Covenants]] is a growing work of scripture containing inspired documents given through the [[prophet-presidents]] recognized by the Community of Christ.

===Ecumenism and interfaith activities===
The Community of Christ has made efforts to reconcile with traditional [[Christianity]] and to reach out to other Christians. The Community of Christ frequently notes that it has never sanctioned [[polygamy]]; it has always ordained persons of any race; it has no required creedal statement, asking only that people profess faith in Christ as a condition for baptism; it has accepted Trinitarian doctrine; it has been in dialogue with the [[National Council of Churches]] (NCC),<ref>"Member Communions and Denominations" ''National Council of Churches in the USA'', {{cite web|url=http://www.ncccusa.org/members/ |title=Members of the National Council of Churches |access-date=2014-03-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316071657/http://www.ncccusa.org/members/ |archive-date=2014-03-16 }}</ref> the [[World Council of Churches]] (WCC), and [[Christian Churches Together]]; and it has practiced [[open communion]] since 1994.<ref>"The Lord's Supper", ''Community of Christ'', {{cite web |url=http://www.cofchrist.org/sacraments/communion/Lords-Supper.asp |title=World Church News |access-date=2011-01-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126084256/http://www.cofchrist.org/sacraments/communion/Lords-Supper.asp |archive-date=2010-11-26 }}</ref> On November 10, 2010, the Community of Christ was unanimously approved for membership by the National Council of Churches, becoming the 37th member communion of this ecumenical body.<ref>{{cite web |last= Jenks |first= Philip |title= Ecumenical Gathering studies, worships, speaks out on issues, and adds a member |url= http://www.ncccusa.org/witnesses2010/ga2010.nov1011.1.htm |publisher= National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA |date= November 11, 2010 |access-date= February 22, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110107203754/http://www.ncccusa.org/witnesses2010/ga2010.nov1011.1.htm |archive-date= January 7, 2011 }}</ref>

In its World Conference in 2002, a committee on "Ecumenical/Interfaith Relations" was established to explore the possibility of entering into the membership of the WCC. In its report for the 2004 World Conference, the committee concluded that while there was an openness to further meetings and discussions, there were concerns about several issues including new entrance criteria based on theology and the Community of Christ's acceptance of extra-biblical scriptures. The report states that this warrants caution in their approach, but the dialogue would continue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cofchrist.org/wc2004/legislation/H-11.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20060506040918/http://www.cofchrist.org/wc2004/legislation/H-11.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-05-06|title=2004 World Conference, Ecumenical/Interfaith Relations Committee Report|access-date=2006-08-17}}</ref>

===Women's participation===
The church's priesthood was opened to women in 1984. In 1998, Gail E. Mengel and [[Linda L. Booth]] became the first two women [[apostle (Latter Day Saints)|apostles]] in the church.<ref name = deseretnews>[https://www.deseret.com/1998/3/21/19370243/rlds-church-calls-2-women-to-serve-among-12-apostles "RLDS Church calls 2 women to serve among 12 apostles"], ''[[Deseret News]]'', 1998-03-21.</ref> At the 2007 World Conference of the church, [[Becky L. Savage]] was ordained as the first woman to serve in the [[First Presidency (Community of Christ)|First Presidency]].<ref>{{citation |author= Stephen M. Veazey |date= March 1, 2007 |title= Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums |url= http://www.cofchrist.org/wc2007/letterofcounsel.asp |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120819071458/http://www.cofchrist.org/wc2007/letterofcounsel.asp |url-status= dead |archive-date= August 19, 2012 }}</ref><ref>Stephen M. Veazey, [https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20131021170530/http://www.cofchrist.org/presidency/counsel05-07-2012.asp "Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums"], 2012-05-07.</ref> In 2013, Linda L. Booth became the first woman elected to serve as president of the Council of Twelve.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kelly Evanson |title=Woman elected to serve as president of Council of Twelve Apostles |url=http://www.examiner.net/news/x1545203500/Woman-elected-to-serve-as-president-of-Council-of-Twelve-Apostles |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616154509/http://www.examiner.net/news/x1545203500/Woman-elected-to-serve-as-president-of-Council-of-Twelve-Apostles |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |work=The Examiner |date=20 April 2013 |access-date=3 July 2013 }}</ref> In 2016, [[Stassi D. Cramm]] became the first woman [[Presiding bishop#Community of Christ|presiding bishop]] of the church<ref name = genet>Mike Genet, [http://www.examiner.net/article/20160609/NEWS/160609061 "Stassi Cramm's new role breaks barriers in church"], ''[[The Examiner (Missouri)|The Examiner]]'', 9 June 2016.</ref><ref name = veazy2016/> and Jane M. Gardner became the church's first female [[presiding evangelist]].<ref name = veazy2016>[[Stephen M. Veazey]], [https://www.cofchrist.org/Common/Cms/documents/LetterofCounsel03-31-16.pdf "Letter of Counsel about World Church Leadership"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918094204/https://www.cofchrist.org/Common/Cms/documents/LetterofCounsel03-31-16.pdf |date=September 18, 2016 }}, cofchrist.org, accessed 16 June 2016.</ref>

===LGBTQ participation===
The church is accepting of same-sex relationships.

For a period of time, the church under the presidency of W. Grant McMurray allowed the priesthood ordination of practicing homosexuals, something which he acknowledged was already occurring. The church would later halt this practice, prohibiting the ordination of sexually active homosexuals. However, the church allows those who were ordained against policy to continue in priesthood office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://welcomingcommunitynetwork.org/timeline.htm |title=Timeline: RLDS/Community of Christ and Sexual Orientation Issues |access-date=2008-06-03 |df=dmy-all |publisher=The Welcoming Community Network}}</ref>

In 2012, the Community of Christ held national conferences in Canada and Australia both of which recommended to church leadership to change standing policies regarding ordination to include those in same-sex marriage (Canada) and in marriage-like same-sex committed relationships (Australia), and in Canada to extend the sacrament of marriage to same-sex couples. Official policy changes for these nations have since been released that follow the recommendations of these conferences.

The Community of Christ's 2013 USA National Conference like those in Canada and Australia recommended changes. Those changes were recommended for the extension of the sacrament of marriage to same-sex couples in states where same-sex marriages are legal, the extension of covenant commitment services for same-sex couples in states where same-sex marriages are not legal, and extending eligibility for the priesthood call sacrament to all church members regardless of sexual orientation or open same-sex relationship. As a result of these recommendations, church leadership released in March&nbsp;2014 policy embracing the recommendations for the church in the United States.

Ireland and Great Britain held a special multi-nation conference in 2013 which also recommended changes to policy similar to those of Canada, Australia, and the United States. The changes have yet to be approved by the First Presidency and [[Council of Twelve Apostles (Community of Christ)|Council of Twelve]] for Ireland and Great Britain, with the likely time-frame to "develop, approve, and implement interim policies" being up to one year after the 2013 Conferences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cofchrist.org/USAconf/USANatlConf04-21-2013.pdf |title=USA National Conference Recommends Policy Changes |publisher=Community of Christ |date=21 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512142640/http://www.cofchrist.org/USAconf/USANatlConf04-21-2013.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 |quote=The 2013 USA National Conference recommends the sacrament of marriage be extended, where legal in the USA, to persons of the same sex/gender. ... The 2013 USA National Conference recommends allowing a priesthood call to be processed according to established procedures regardless of sexual orientation, including a person in a monogamous, committed, same-sex/gender relationship.&nbsp;...}}</ref>

A petition by the Australia Mission Centre Council to permit same-sex marriages was approved by the First Presidency in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_reo.htm |title=The Community of Christ (CoChrist) & homosexuality |website=ReligiousTolerance.org}}</ref>