International Church Becomes “Community of Christ”
An international church known since the 1860s as the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will experience a
significant moment in its history on April 6 when the denominational name will
officially become Community of Christ.
Delegates at the church’s 2000 World Conference approved
the name change with a nearly 80 percent affirmative vote. Since that time, the
church’s First Presidency and a Name Change Implementation Team, co-chaired by
Linda Booth, director of Communications, and Steve Jones, Presiding Bishopric,
have been working with Crane MetaMarketing of Atlanta, Georgia, on plans and
guidelines for the name-change process. Considerations include everything from
designing a new look for congregational signs and official letterhead to
encouraging churchwide sharing during this time of spiritual
reflection and identity formation.
The issue of changing the name of the Reorganized Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has evolved over a long period of time. Many
have expressed a desire for a name that more adequately represents the church’s
theology and mission: “We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of
joy, hope, love, and peace.” Community of Christ reflects this denomination’s
quest to be community builders, and emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ.
On April 6, the anniversary of the church’s 1830 founding,
Community of Christ will officially become the name of the church. A day of
celebration is planned at the church’s Temple and Auditorium, which serve as
its world headquarters in Independence, Missouri. That morning, a press
conference will be followed by the unveiling of the new sign at the Temple. The
community will be welcomed for a reception and open house at the Temple that
afternoon.
- From February 25-April 5, church members are participating in forty days
of spiritual preparation for the name change.
- Articles in the church magazine point out the biblical significance of
being called by a new name--discussing the stories of Jacob, who became
Israel; Abram, who became Abraham; and Sarai, who became Sarah.
- More information and articles are available on the church Web site at www.CofChrist.org/name.
