Community of Christ

General Denominational Information

MISSION STATEMENT
We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Read more about our faith and beliefs.

HISTORY
The church was legally organized on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York. Following the assassination of founder Joseph Smith Jr. in 1844, the church split into multiple groups. Joseph Smith III succeeded his father and was ordained prophet-president of this denomination on April 6, 1860.
In 1920 church headquarters was established in Independence, Missouri. Today, Community of Christ International Headquarters includes a Temple that is dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit.
Our history informs our current call as Christ-centered, community builders who are committed to sharing the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world. (detailed history)

SCRIPTURE
Community of Christ recognizes three books of scripture:

• Holy Scriptures (The Bible)

• Book of Mormon

• Doctrine and Covenants

The scriptures provide divine guidance and inspired insight for life when responsibly interpreted and faithfully applied. With other Christians, we affirm the Bible as scripture for the church. In our tradition, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are additional scriptural witnesses of God’s love and Christ’s ministry.

WORLDWIDE MEMBERSHIP
Approximately 250,000 people in more than 50 nations are members of Community of Christ.

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
The Temple and Auditorium in Independence, Missouri, house the Community of Christ International Headquarters.

Community of Christ International Headquarters
River Boulevard and Walnut Street
1001 W. Walnut
Independence, MO 64050-3562 USA

OFFICIALS
First Presidency - A three member quorum, officially made up of the president and two counselors, presides over the international church.

Stephen M. Veazey, president
Kenneth N. Robinson, counselor
David  D. Schaal, counselor


Council of Twelve Apostles - Twelve high priests called and ordained to be special missionary witnesses. Assigned by the First Presidency, they carry major responsibility for church expansion, and serve as administrative supervisors of field jurisdictions.
 

Presiding Bishopric - The presiding bishop and two counselors function as the financial officers of the international church.

Larry R. Norris, presiding bishop
Stephen M. Jones, counselor
R. Paul Davis, counselor

Presiding Evangelist - The presiding evangelist gives special ministry with emphasis on personal counseling, crisis ministry, and revivalist evangelism. Following the 2006 retirement of Danny Belrose, a new presiding evangelist will be named at the 2007 World Conference.


LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES
All men, women, and children have God-given gifts and abilities valuable to the creation of Christian community. Women and men are called and ordained to provide a wide range of priesthood ministries. Most congregational ministers are bi-vocational, meaning they are full-time ministers while earning their livelihood through employment outside the church. A small percentage are financially supported by the World Church.


PURSUING OUR MISSION
Children’s Peace Pavilion
Established in 1995 as a gift to the children of the world from the church, this museum features hands-on exhibits to teach children and adults about peace. More than 10,000 visitors are welcomed each year. The Children’s Peace Pavilion is located in the International Headquarters complex at the Auditorium and is free of charge.

WorldService Corps
Teams of young adults serve in a culture other than their own for two months to two years, focusing on cross-cultural sharing, ministry, and service to others.

World Hunger and Oblation Funds
Members and friends give generously, and significant funds have been allocated to alleviate world hunger, provide social and environmental ministries, and disaster relief in areas around the world.