There have been a number of attempts in recent years to engage in a process of dialogue between members of the Restoration Branches and members of the Community of Christ. The present initiative began in February of 2005. At that time, the Community of Christ
Peace and Justice Committee initiated the formation of the Restorationist/Community of Christ Reconciliation Committee. This committee has met once per month (including a retreat at the Odessa Hills campground) to pray together, listen to one another’s stories, and to seek to find common ground. The committee’s meetings have been characterized by mutual respect and have been blessed by a good Spirit.

Membership of the committee is almost equally distributed between members of Restoration Branches and members of the Community of Christ. Persons currently serving on the committee are: Ron Smith, Cara Smith, Diane Kyser, Ron Van Fleet, Vim Horn, Neil Simmons, Ron Romig, Rudy Leutzinger, Verle Cornish, Linda Drown, Patrick McKay Sr., Bill Russell, David Schaal, Andrew Bolton, Emily Penrose-McLaughlin, Bob Moore, Richard Neill, Danny Hight, John Menzies, Lachlan Machay, Randy Hamann, Robert Giertz, David Howlett. Diane Kyser from the Community Mediation Center has been facilitating the discussions.

The committee understands that it does not have the authority to make decisions for either Restoration Branches or the Community of Christ. At the same time, it is understood that for many persons, dialogue stopped rather abruptly several years ago, and that the simple renewal of dialogue between persons may begin the process of healing and enable us to more fully respond to the call of the Holy Spirit to unity in Christ. In this spirit, stories have been shared, apologies expressed, and desires voiced to continue the process of discussion and understanding of each other’s perspectives. This has created an environment in the committee wherein ideas are freely raised by individuals, even if those ideas are not agreed upon or endorsed by the committee as a whole. In this context, the purpose of the committee is to:

Committee members seek to be as open and transparent as possible. We invite those with additional questions or interest to contact a member of the committee. We also ask an interest in your prayers for the committee’s continuing work together.