At last month's USA National Conference of the Community of Christ policy changes were recommended that would allow for the ordination of gay people and marriages or covenant commitment services of gay couples.
At the conference, which was held in Kansas City and attracted about 2,000 people, it was recommended that the sacrament of marriage be offered to people wanting a committed relationship, regardless of sexuality, in states where same sex marriage is legal. In states where it is not legal COC instead will offer a covenant commitment service for those in same sex relationships who want to be in life long relationship. The recommendation was made my more than the required delegate majority, according to an article in the Kansas City Star.
It was also recommended that the sacrament of ordination be recognized for all people, no matter sexual orientation, as long as the person being called is in a committed relationship by marriage where legal, or covenant where not.
The changes will need to be approved by the First Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles, which could take up to one year, according to Kendra Friend, a member of the church’s communications and media relations team.
The Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, offers a special focus on evangelism, peace and justice ministries, spirituality and wholeness, youth ministries and outreach ministries. Church teachings emphasize that “all are called” as “persons of worth” to “share the peace of Christ”.
There is one Community of Christ congregation in this area, which meets in Spokane Valley.
