“A welcoming and affirming congregation for all.” That’s what you will find at the Community of Christ here in Salt Lake City. Founded in the early 1900s, the Salt Lake City Community of Christ has been a mainstay in Utah. It is part of the Reorganized Latter-day Saint movement.
The Community of Christ is an international faith. It has a presence in over 50 countries. The church proclaims Jesus Christ. It promotes communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. The Community of Christ extends God’s peace to all. They recognize the worth of all persons. They find unity in diversity.
This congregation is open and inclusive. Salt Lake City Community of Christ boasts one of the most diverse groups of worshippers. They celebrate their unity. Because of its location, the Salt Lake City congregation is unique. It is unique in the worldwide church.
The Community of Christ was formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This name was used from 1869 to 2001. Before that, it was called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1852 to 1869.
The Community of Christ’s world headquarters are in Independence, Missouri. In the early 21st century, the church had about 250,000 members. These members were in roughly 50 countries including the United States and Canada. The Community of Christ does not accept the name Mormon. This is because of its association with polygamy.
After Joseph Smith’s death in 1844, his church broke into factions. Some members rejected the leadership of Brigham Young. Young led the majority to Utah. These members reorganized under the original name. This occurred in Beloit, Wisconsin, in 1852.
The word Reorganized was added in 1869. This group believed Joseph Smith’s son was his designated successor. Joseph Smith III accepted leadership in 1860. He was elected president. His sons succeeded him. All successors were descendants of the founder. This continued until W. Grant McMurray became president in 1996. In 2001, the church changed its name to Community of Christ.
The Community of Christ rejects polygamy. It denies that Joseph Smith taught or practiced it. They claim Brigham Young introduced polygamy. Young made public a revelation on polygamy in 1852 in Utah. The Community of Christ says this was not in harmony with the church’s original beliefs. It also was not in harmony with Smith’s teachings.
The Community of Christ bases its beliefs on the Bible. It also uses the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of revelations. These revelations were received by prophets of the Community of Christ. The general conference votes to accept them.
The Community of Christ believes in the Trinity. They believe in faith in God, repentance, and baptism by immersion. They also believe in the laying on of hands. They believe in resurrection. They believe reward or punishment after death depends on conduct in this life. They believe in continuous divine revelation. They believe in the open canon of scripture. They believe in the restoration of Christ’s church. This is based on the New Testament pattern. They believe in stewardship in personal and economic life. They anticipate Christ’s return and a millennial reign.
Local congregations are grouped into districts and stakes. Districts tie congregations into a fellowship. Officers elected at district conferences preside over them. A stake consists of congregations. They are administered by a stake presidency, bishopric, and high council. Stake conferences conduct business. All stake members can vote.
The World Conference meets every two years in Independence. It is the church’s supreme legislative body. All general administrative officers must receive its endorsement. The presiding bishop presents financial reports. The conference endorses the report and makes appropriations. The church sponsors missions worldwide.
The church runs Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Temple School is a seminary for ministers and leaders. It is in Independence.
Here in Salt Lake City you can worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM Mountain Time. You can also join online via Zoom. The Community of Christ invites you to experience their inclusive community.