View source for Community of Christ

The '''Community of Christ''' is a denomination based in Independence, [[Missouri]] with its roots in the [[Latter-day Saints]] movement of [[Joseph Smith]].  It was founded in 1860 and, until 2001, was known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS).

==Background==
After the assassination of Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1844, there was a debate over whom his successor as leader of the church would be.  The largest group followed [[Brigham Young]] to [[Utah]] and became the [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (or "[[Mormons]])." It is by far the largest of the Latter-day Saint groups.  Smaller groups followed other leaders who claimed to be Joseph Smith's successor, such as [[James Strang]] who led a group to [[Wisconsin]]. 

Many of Smith's followers remained behind in Missouri. Along with other scattered Saints, they eventually organized as the RLDS church.  The RLDS church accepts the [[Book of Mormon]] and the [[Inspired Version]] of the Bible as scripture, as well as an RLDS-specific edition of the [[Doctrine and Covenants]].

==Recent years==
In recent years the RLDS church has altered some of its beliefs dealing with the nature of God and the  sacraments, moving in the direction of conventional [[Protestant]] theology but without giving up the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants. It sought to establish ties to the [[National Council of Churches]].  Unlike the Utah-based church, the Community of Christ rejects the name 'Mormon' as a term applying to itself.

==External links==
* [http://www.cofchrist.org/ Community of Christ] - official website

[[Category:LDS Church]]