Canada National Conference
16 June 2012
Canada National Conference Recommends Policy Changes
First Presidency and Council of Twelve Will Have to Approve before Implementation
The Community of Christ Canada National Conference was held June 16. After years of study, dialogue, and prayer, members connected through technology from 15 sites across the nation to address two issues: whether to permit ordination of people in same-gender marriages; and whether to allow priesthood to perform same-gender marriages.
After hearing multiple perspectives, including views from international representatives, the Canada National Conference, by more than the required two-thirds majority, made the following recommendations to the Community of Christ First Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles:
- There be a change in policy to allow Community of Christ priesthood to perform the sacrament of marriage for same-gender couples in Canada (same-gender marriage is legal in Canada); and
- There be a change in policy to allow the sacrament of ordination for individuals in same-gender marriages in Canada.
The First Presidency and the Council of Twelve will need to approve the policy revisions recommended by the Canada National Conference. To develop, approve, and implement interim policies can take up to one year. Any policy changes will pertain only to the nation of Canada. Other nations will continue to abide by existing church policies.
Community of Christ is an international church with nearly a quarter million members in about 50 nations of the world. There are nearly 60 Community of Christ congregations spread throughout Canada. While we are united around the world in Christ’s mission, because of our broad expanse of cultures there are some issues we address in national conferences.
Our Enduring Principles guide our national conference interactions. These gatherings offer opportunities to experience the Blessings of Community as we explore how to uphold the Worth of All Persons, respond to the understanding that All Are Called, and celebrate Unity in Diversity.