Called by a New Name

April 6 is the anniversary of the church’s 1830 founding and the 1860 reorganization, and in 2001 it marked the official date that the church claimed its new name, Community of Christ. Preparations at world headquarters and in the field were all-consuming as people went about the business of ordering banners and signs and informing their communities of our new name.

After a morning press conference, a large crowd of church members, headquarters staff, media representatives, and community members gathered outside the Temple for the ceremonial sign unveiling. McMurray commemorated the event saying, "On this historic occasion we say to the world for the first time: This is who we are. This is who we seek to become…It is our calling to be a community centered on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ." Counselors to the President, Kenneth Robinson and Peter Judd, revealed the newly lettered sign which reads, "Community of Christ, The Temple, World Headquarters, Visitors Welcome."

A service of worship and celebration was held in the Temple sanctuary. The Graceland University Concert Choir sang the introit and Presiding Evangelist Danny Belrose greeted the congregation. President Emeritus Wallace B. Smith reflected on the church's heritage and McMurray gave an address focusing on the church’s mission.

McMurray stated that we have always wanted a time to stand up and say, “This is who we are. We have something to contribute. We have something to bring to the table. We have a rich and proud heritage and we have a mission the world needs to hear.” He then offered a challenge: "I want to say to you on this day…That time is now! We are the Community of Christ. We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. We are a worldwide church dedicated to the pursuit of peace, justice, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit."

Karyn Wingard, from Texas, offered insight into the future of the church. "We are now called as Community of Christ to serve God in unimaginable ways with excitement and enthusiasm. We are called to understand each other and to depend on each other. Healthy communities are necessary to survive.” In closing, Belrose gave a prayer of blessing for the church and the congregation sang “Rise, Community of Christ.”

The afternoon was filled with activities for members who had traveled from near and far, and community members, some of whom were visiting for the first time. Organ recitals were held in the Temple and Auditorium, and the Graceland University Concert Choir performed selections from its spring concert tour. The revised visitor/tour video and Called by a New Name were shown in the Temple theaters.

The Children's Peace Pavilion extended its hours to accommodate the day’s many guests, and an afternoon reception offered plenty of opportunities for guests from the community, members, and friends to celebrate with each other and church leadership. The reception culminated with warm wishes from Congresswoman Karen McCarthy.

The excitement of the day resonated throughout the headquarters complex and extended far into the field as others held their own celebrations. Together as community builders whose faith is centered in Jesus Christ we say, “This is who we are: Community of Christ.”

-Jenn Killpack and Kendra Friend reporting