Community of Christ History

A history of the ongoing transformation of the Latter Day Saint movement's second largest denomination.

Reformers within the Latter Day Saint movement opposed to excesses like polygamy, regrouped under the leadership of Joseph Smith III after the murder of his father and laid the foundations for today's progressive Christian denomination.

[TheArmy]

Hey guys, am a latter saint here in Utah really enjoyed the history of the RLS church or community of Christ had a lot of questions about the churches history and how you guys are doing things and what not and this answered a lot of my questions, so I really appreciate that. Thanks.

[skyefarnam]

Much like the Democratic party diverging from the racism of southern Democrats, ordaining women was obviously a painful but necessary move for a church in alignment with the teaching of Christ. I'm so excited to be learning about your church. It fills me with joy and gratitude for all the hard work you have done. You have laid a beautiful foundation to build on in the name of Christ in the 21st century. Thank you so much. 😊

[garryhatchett]

I am glad you changed your church name. Your church has drifted so far from the church Joseph Smith established, it was appropriate.

[returnedfrompanama]

From a current "Utah" Latter-Day Saint, this presentation was very informative! Thank you for sharing!

[jimfairchild]

I was unable to wach live as I had a zoom meeting scheduled for the same time. After my zoom meeting I watched this presentation on YouTube. Thanks for sharing.

[TheLkoler]

Fascinating history. Thank you very much.

[mneil]

Recently resigned from the Salt Lake Mormons. This is super interesting!

[Allestya]

I'm not religious in any sense but I actually love the Community of Christ. They genuinely love with the love of God. A deep love for all living things.

[whitneyostebo]

Reconciling with my Utah Mormon upbringing, this is an incredible history, thank you very much

[PedroAOlavarria]

You're the man Juanito; I love your lectures.

[eottoe]

I grew up in Disciples of Christ so it was something I suspected that there was a similar origins as the Mormons particularly with Campbell. Some of the family names brought up in the presentation had similar names as I grew up in D of C. It was good to understand what is meant by "primitive" church. TY

[moycious]

D&C 163 - "It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of God’s beloved children through the misuse of scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices."

So at the end of the day, scripture is as they say in Eastern wisdom, merely but "a finger pointing to the moon."

That is a lot of historical analysis to get to this one point.

Let me know if I am wrong.

[brendabarney]

John you are awesome I have been a covert for 50 years and I have learned more from you in the last few months then in all those years I appreciate you for all you do

[therealmisterap]

As an lds convert, I've wanted to go back on my terms. I found out about community of christ and I didn't know where to start, then I found this!!! Thank you!!!

[charlesmendeley]

55:00 @John Hamer, could you or someone in your group add the historical membership numbers to Wikipedia? There is an article concerning the LDS historic growth, so it would be great if the CoC numbers were available as well.

[vivianbetts]

I really enjoyed this lecture, in England we were told about the beginning of the church by Joseph Smith1 and then about the church being reorganised but never told about Nauvoo and what happened there, so this was very interesting. I felt that the way you answered the questions that were asked was excellent also.

[donatist]

Ex-RLDS now Episcopalian here. Thanks for your lectures, this is fascinating stuff!

[ilovemyboyfriend]

i like your church im member of mormon church but i havent been to it in 11 yrs

[notrueflagshere]

"Historicity doesn't matter" seems to be the creed. That's a leap of faith.

[craigdymock]

It is shocking how far away the community of Christ RLDS has drifted away from the Christs restored church. It is as though they can’t distance themselves from Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon fast enough. This is very eye opening