Community of Christ
From Conservapedia
The Community of Christ is a denomination based in Independence, Missouri with its roots in the Latter-day Saints movement of Joseph Smith. It was founded in 1860 and was known until 2001 as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS).
Background
After the assassination of Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1844, there was a debate over who his successor would be as leader of the Mormons. The largest group followed Brigham Young to Utah, and became the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is by far the largest of the Latter-day Saint groups. Smaller groups followed some other leaders also claiming to be Joseph Smith's successor, such as James Strang who led a group to Wisconsin. Many of Smith's followers remained behind in Missouri, and eventually they (along with some disaffected former Strang followers) reorganized themselves as the RLDS church. The RLDS church accepts the Book of Mormon and the Inspired Version of the Bible as scripture, as well as an RLDS-specific edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Recent years
In recent years the RLDS church moved notably in the direction of liberal theology and sought to establish ties to the National Council of Churches. Unlike the Utah-based church they reject the name 'Mormon' to describe themselves. In 2001 they changed their name to the Community of Christ.
External links
- Community of Christ - official website
