14 April, 2010

Community of Christ World Conference Affirms New Scripture

Independence, MO—A new passage of scripture has been affirmed by the 2010 Community of Christ World Conference that is gathering from April 10 through 17. During the April 14 afternoon legislative session, an overwhelming majority of the 2,800 delegates representing more than 50 nations voted to include Counsel to the Church presented by President Stephen M. Veazey in the Doctrine and Covenants as Section 164.

President Veazey presented the Counsel to the Church on January 17 during a worship service at Community of Christ Temple, part of the denomination’s International Headquarters complex in Independence, Missouri. The service was webcast live so members around the world could participate. President Veazey invited the worldwide church to join with him in prayer, discussion, and discernment about the document in preparation for its consideration at World Conference.

The new scripture provides the opportunity for people baptized in other Christian denominations to become members of Community of Christ without being rebaptized. The scripture also emphasizes the power of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (Communion). Community of Christ practices open Communion.

In the preamble to paragraphs five through seven, President Veazey recognized that “Serious questions about moral behavior and relationships continue to arise in many nations.” He cited examples including female genital mutilation, child brides, harsh conflicts over same-gender attraction and relationships, and varying legal, religious, and social definitions of marriage, to name a few. The scripture lifts up “behaviors and relationships that uphold the worth and giftedness of all people” and the need for “cultural awareness and sensitivity.” It advocates that “Fundamental principles of ethical behavior and relationships should be addressed by the World Conference,” while “pressing issues in various nations” can be considered in national or field conferences.

The new scripture concludes with paragraph 9f: “The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead.”

Community of Christ affirms the Bible as the foundational scripture for the church. In addition, Community of Christ uses the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants—not to replace the witness of the Bible or improve on it, but because they confirm its message that Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.

Community of Christ is a worldwide church with approximately 250,000 members in more than 50 nations. The denomination’s International Headquarters is housed in the Auditorium and Temple at River and Walnut in Independence, Missouri. Visit www.CofChrist.org to learn more about Community of Christ and the World Conference.

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