Team Report Index
H-7 Theology Formation Team Report
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Theology Formation Team addresses matters of significant
theological interest, drafts statements on key topics for consideration by the
First Presidency, and encourages respectful and productive theological dialog
among the membership.
The team consists of sixteen members resident in the United
States and Canada. Several have significant experience with the church
internationally and speak a number of languages. The team meets two or three
times each year and interacts with church members and leaders in many nations to
ensure the products of its work reflect worldwide perspectives.
This occurs as the core group communicates with more than two
dozen adjunct members from diverse backgrounds and countries.
During the 2007–2010 inter-Conference period the First
Presidency asked the Theology Formation Team to address several issues. The team
engaged in a thorough review of the most-recent basic-beliefs statement and
prepared an updated draft for consideration by church leaders. The new statement
is in We Share Identity,
Mission, Message, and Beliefs, found on the church Web site.
As a follow-up to this work on basic beliefs, the team
proposed—and the First Presidency approved—the writing and publication of a
study text. This is designed to help members explore the meaning of the
affirmations contained in the statement and how they may be applied to
individual and corporate discipleship. This resource is in the early stages of
development as the editors seek to incorporate the contribution of a broad range
of Community of Christ members from around the world. It is scheduled for
publication during 2011.
The team also developed a statement on the nature and mission of
the church. This addressed key issues related to how Community of Christ claims
its “unique and sacred place within the circle of those who call upon the name
of Jesus Christ” (Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b). Our work benefited from
meeting with members of the Extended World Church Leadership Council to receive
their suggestions and advice on how the team should address this significant
topic. The team sent this statement to the First Presidency in late 2009.
Most recently the Theology Formation Team has been addressing
the nature of ministry as the responsibility of each member of the body of
Christ, as well as the specific calling of those called and ordained to
priesthood.
Members of the Theology Formation Team continue to hold up the
vital role of scripture in the life of the church. We point all members to the
published statement, “Scripture in the Community of Christ.” This is found on
the church Web site at
www.CofChrist.org/OurFaith/scripture.asp. It affirms the church’s belief in
the Bible as the foundational scripture of the church and the Book of Mormon and
Doctrine and Covenants as additional scriptures that witness of Christ.
The scripture statement points out how the church views
scripture as the “indispensable witness” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:7a) of God
as revealed in Jesus Christ. It also affirms scripture as the product of Divine
and human interaction in the cultural context in which it was written.
How we understand and use scripture is central to how we address
important issues of belief and practice in the church. Scripture provides
insight into understanding God’s will for the church and calls us to discern
anew God’s will for our own time and situations.
The team also continues to uphold the irreplaceable role of
Jesus Christ as the center of the faith and life of Community of Christ. The
statement “We Proclaim Jesus Christ” is found on the church Web site at
www.CofChrist.org/OurFaith/christology.asp.
The Theology Formation Team believes strongly that all members
are called to engage in serious reflection on their own beliefs and the beliefs
of the church. This is the work of theology. Statements such as those mentioned
above (on Jesus Christ, the church, and scripture) serve as support and context
for each individual’s personal reflection.
For all of us, doing theology in the church community
(congregation, mission center, and World Church) serves as a corrective to
individual interpretations and biases. Doing theology together brings us to
more-adequate interpretations and understandings than when we do it alone. And
when done respectfully (with consideration of each other’s diverse views),
theological conversation can help us experience unity within our diversity and
heal brokenness within the body.
Theology Formation Team
Andrew Bolton
Bunda Chibwe
Charmaine Chvala-Smith
Tony Chvala-Smith
Don Compier
Peter Judd, team lead
Bruce Lindgren
Dale Luffman
Brad Martell
Shannon McAdam
Gail Mengel
Shandra Newcom
Patti Page
Andy Shelton
Art Smith
Wim van Klinken
