Community of Christ, known from 1872 to 2001 as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), is an American-based international church[3] established in April 1830[4][non-primary source needed] that claims as its mission "to proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love and peace".[5] The church reports approximately 250,000 members in 50 nations.[6]
Community of Christ is part of the Latter Day Saint movement begun by Joseph Smith, Jr., and rooted in Restorationist traditions. Although in some respects the Community of Christ is congruent with mainline Protestant Christian attitudes, it is in many ways theologically distinct, continuing such features as prophetic revelation.[7][8][9][10]
Community of Christ follows a largely non-liturgical tradition based loosely on the Revised Common Lectionary.[11] From its headquarters in Independence, Missouri, the church offers a special focus on evangelism, peace and justice ministries, spirituality and wholeness, youth ministries and outreach ministries.[12] Church teachings emphasize that "all are called" as "persons of worth" to "share the peace of Christ".[3]
