Background:
Why we are holding a National Conference

The Community of Christ World Conference held in April 2010 faced a number of resolutions concerning the marriage and ordination of people involved in same-sex relationships.  Discussion of those two issues, however, would have caused damage in some of the nations in which our church exists, and would have created great conflict in others. 

During the World Conference, delegates overwhelmingly affirmed as inspired revelation the document that is now Doctrine and Covenants 164.  It includes the following guiding principles. 

164:7a.  A worldwide prophetic church must develop cultural awareness and sensitivity to distinguish between issues that should be addressed by the World Conference and those that are best resolved nationally or in other ways. 

b.  Fundamental principles of ethical behaviour and relationships should be addressed by the World Conference.  The Conference should not decide specific policies for all nations when those decisions likely will cause serious harm in some of them. 

d.  Where possible and appropriate, convene national or field conferences to provide opportunities for broader dialogue, understanding, and consent.  In those gatherings, let the spirit of love, justice, and truth prevail.

After the document was accepted, the chair ruled that all legislation concerning same-sex relationships was out of order, due to the harm it might cause in various nations around the world.  This ruling received the full support of the delegates, in a spirit of compassion and understanding.

Since then, members across Canada have expressed a desire to convene a national conference to consider these issues on a national level, as provided in Doctrine and Covenants 164:7d.  Consequently, the church in Canada is entering into a dialogue process on the following two issues:

What is the level of support in the Canadian Community of Christ membership for the authorizing of our priesthood to officiate at same-sex marriages in Canada, where these unions are legal?

What is the level of support for ordaining people in same-sex marriages, provided they are called and processed through the standard method established by Community of Christ?

Many different ideas and feelings exist in Canada about these issues.  The purpose of the dialogue sessions is to encourage all members to share their thoughts and feelings, to listen to one another, and to deepen their understanding of the various perspectives that exist on these issues.  We need to hear everyone’s voice and perspective.  Join with one another, in a spirit of honesty and openness, as we talk and listen to each other and seek God’s will.