General Denominational Information

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

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.

SCRIPTURE
Scripture is writing inspired by God’s Spirit and accepted by the church as the normative expression of its identity, message, and mission. We affirm 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. When responsibly interpreted and faithfully applied, scripture provides divine guidance and inspired insight for our discipleship.
 

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 Community of Christ International Headquarters at River Boulevard and Walnut Street.

Community of Christ International Headquarters
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
David D. Schaal, counselor
Becky L. Savage, 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.

James E. Slauter, president
Linda L. Booth, secretary
J. Andrew Bolton
Bunda C. Chibwe
Stassi D. Cramm
Mary Jacks Dynes
Ronald D. Harmon Jr.
Dale E. Luffman
Rick W. Maupin
Carlos Enrique Mejia
Susan D. Skoor
Leonard M. Young

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

Stephen M. Jones, presiding bishop,
R. Paul Davis, counselor
David J. Brown, counselor

Presiding Evangelist - The presiding evangelist gives special ministry with emphasis on personal counseling, crisis ministry, and revivalist evangelism.

David R. Brock

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.

World Service Corps
In this ministry that crosses boundaries and unites diverse communities, teams of young adults serve in a culture other than their own for two months to two years of 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.