About Community of Christ
Our identity, sacraments, history, and how we differ from the LDS (Utah) church
Our Identity
Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1860-2001) is an international Christian denomination with headquarters in Independence, Missouri.
Founded in 1860 under the leadership of Joseph Smith III (son of Joseph Smith Jr.), Community of Christ continues the prophetic ministry through continuing revelation.
1860 (Amboy, Illinois)
Independence, Missouri
Stephen M. Veazey (2005-present)
~250,000 worldwide
Eight Sacraments
1. Baptism
By immersion for believers
2. Confirmation
Gift of the Holy Spirit
3. Lord's Supper
Open communion, remembering Christ
4. Laying on of Hands
For healing and blessing
5. Ordination
To priesthood (all genders since 1984)
6. Marriage
Sacred covenant relationship
7. Blessing of Children
Welcome to community (not a saving ordinance)
8. Evangelist Blessing
Personal ministry and guidance
These are sacraments, not “saving ordinances.” We do not practice temple work for the dead or proxy ordinances as in LDS tradition.
Key Distinctions from the LDS Church
Women Ordained to Priesthood
Since 1984 (Section 156), women serve in all priesthood offices. Currently about 25% of Community of Christ priesthood are women.
Eight Sacraments (Not Temple Ordinances)
We practice eight sacraments in congregations. There is no temple endowment or sealing ceremony.
No Baptism for the Dead
We do not practice proxy ordinances or temple work for deceased persons.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Policies
LGBTQ+ members may be baptized, ordained, and married. Full inclusion is supported.
Peace and Justice Mission
Central to our identity. The Independence Temple is dedicated to peace, and we're active in social justice work.
Progressive Christianity
We're open to diverse interpretations of scripture, including non-literal readings of the Book of Mormon.
Environmental Stewardship
Sacredness of creation is an enduring principle. We're active in climate and conservation efforts.
Continuing Revelation
Latest revelation: Section 167 (2025). The canon is not closed -- we believe prophecy continues.
Historical Context: 1844 Succession Crisis
After Joseph Smith Jr.'s death in 1844, multiple succession claims emerged:
- Brigham Young - Led a group to Utah (became the LDS Church)
- Sidney Rigdon - Claimed First Presidency succession
- James Strang - Claimed angelic ordination (Strangite movement)
- Lyman Wight - Led a Texas colony
- Joseph Smith III - Lineal succession (became RLDS/Community of Christ)
1860 Reorganization: Joseph Smith III (age 27) accepted leadership after 16 years of resistance. Emma Smith (his mother) and many who remained in the Midwest formed the Reorganized Church.
Key differences from the start: the RLDS church explicitly rejected polygamy, stayed in the Midwest (Independence focus), emphasized democratic governance, and continued prophetic ministry.
Temple Theology
Kirtland Temple
- Owned by Community of Christ from 1880 to 2024
- Sold to the LDS Church in 2024
- Proceeds support our mission and historic preservation
- Still open for tours under LDS Church stewardship
Independence Temple
- Dedicated 1994 to peace
- Spiral design symbolizing a journey
- Open to all people
- A space for meditation and worship
- Daily Prayer for Peace
Our temples are for worship, meditation, and peace -- not for exclusive ordinances or work for the dead as in LDS tradition.