Community of Christ Affirmations Toward Justice and Peace
Justice and peace concerns have long been central to Community of Christ’s message, mission, and identity. Through the years the World Conference of Community of Christ has spoken to many of these concerns through World Conference Resolutions (WCRs) approved by international delegates. Subsequently published as Rules and Resolutions, they set forth the faith movement’s stance on a wide variety of social concerns. The following is a partial compilation of such affirmations, dating from the mid-20th century to the current day. A brief summary is provided, plus the year of passage. For a more comprehensive treatment, each resolution in its complete verbiage can be found on the Community of Christ website at https://www.cofchrist.org/common/cms/resources/Documents/WCR-Texts-July2019.pdf.
JUSTICE AND PEACE
WCR 1161 Human Freedom and Injustice (1980)
Resolved, That this Conference calls us to unite in a common commitment to pray and work for the elimination of all inhumane conditions which nations and peoples heap upon the poor, the dispossessed, the imprisoned, and those who suffer other social conditions which limit freedom, such as discrimination by reason of tribe or race, age or sex, and to promote peace, justice, freedom, and respect for personal dignity.
WCR 1177 Peace (1982)
This lengthy document sets forth a wide variety of peace initiatives, including: We, as a church, promote peace. People motivated by Christian love promote peace through constructive and peaceful activities…We, as a church, share the responsibility for world conditions…We, as a church, oppose all forms of destructive violence, such as national and international conflict, war, withholding of food, terrorism, and mental and physical abuse…We, as a church, emphasize that peace is not attained by mere non-participation in violence.
WCR 1205 Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace (1988)
We as a church encourage and support in principle the establishment of an annual national or international day of fasting and prayer for peace.
WCR 1216 Temple Ministries for Peace and Justice (1990)
In harmony with instructions already received, the Conference requests the First Presidency to include in the ministries of the Temple creative initiatives for peace and justice on behalf of the poor and oppressed peoples of the world, including initiatives designed to facilitate nonviolent efforts on the part of peace-loving people to reconcile oppressors and oppressed.
WCR 1227 Our Pursuit of Peace (1992)
Resolved, That we intensify our efforts to heal the causes of violence, war, prejudice, discrimination, greed, hunger, and oppression; and be it further
Resolved, That the church encourage all people and jurisdictions to work with others in waging peace and in developing processes that are alternatives to violence and needless destruction; and be it further
Resolved, That we pledge anew to forgive, be patient, bring reconciliation, sacrifice for others, suffer with the pain of compassion, and be actively engaged in the pursuit of peace, all as taught to us by Jesus Christ.
WCR 1234 Peace in El Salvador (1992)
Resolved, That this Conference express to the people of El Salvador...the pleasure which we have in the fact that all parties and the people of El Salvador have obtained the long-awaited peace within their country; and encourage all parties to consolidate the peace that the El Salvadoran people may know happiness; and we seek for this purpose the blessing of our God and Creator Jesus Christ.
RACE AND RACISM
WCR 963 Racial Equality (1948)
All people are God’s creatures. God created of one blood all nations and races, and in the presence of God divisions of race are transcended.
WCR 976 Racial Equality (1950)
There is nothing in the law of the church which creates or tends to create racial inequality or racial discrimination.
WCR 1064 Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. (1968)
A tribute to the passing of this great American and world leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for his accomplishments in civil rights, justice, and the dignity of all men, and particularly among the poor and depressed.
WCR 1198 Apartheid (1986)
Community of Christ declares its opposition to the continuation of the policy of apartheid in South Africa.
WCR 1200 Racism (1988)
Resolved, that an appropriate task force be organized by the World Church to study the issues of prejudice and racism …[and that] the First Presidency declare an annual day of fasting and prayer regarding an awareness of our need to address the issues of prejudice and racism on a personal, church, and world level.
WCR 1302 Supporting Indigenous and Minority Peoples (2013)
Community of Christ encourages its members to become aware of issues relating to injustice and oppression against indigenous and minority groups and educate themselves about the history, causes, and processes of cultural and racial injustice.
WAR AND THE MILITARY
WCR 1178 Nuclear Arms Reduction (1982)
Resolved, That we, as a church…shall inform the appropriate governmental officials of the need for responsible reduction and eventual elimination of nuclear armaments; and be it further
Resolved, That we, as a church, encourage our people to set aside one day per month to pray and fast for peace and disarmament; and be it further Resolved, That we, as a church, urge the conversion of the resources of war to productive forms of human development; and be it further
Resolved, That we, as a church, join with other organizations that are constructively promoting a reduction of instruments of mass destruction.
WCR 1249 Participation in Military Service (1996)
Resolved, That as a church we affirm that each person has the moral right to nonviolently and conscientiously object to, or refuse to participate, or to participate fully in military service in response to his or her understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by this church.
WCR 1258 International Ban on Land Mines (1998)
As a church we call upon all nations to renounce the development, production, transfer, and use of anti-personnel land mines, to provide assistance for mine victims, to assist in the fast removal of such land mines currently in the ground, and to destroy stockpiles of such land mines in their possession.
WCR 1303 Action Toward Nuclear Weapons Abolition (2013)
Resolved, that Community of Christ affirms nuclear weapons pose a grave threat to the Earth and existence of life; and be it further
Resolved, That Community of Christ join the global voices seeking to halt nuclear weapons production, support prudent action to minimize the threat or use of nuclear weapons, and urge renewed efforts toward eradication.
DIVERSITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
WCR 1184 Human Rights (1984)
Community of Christ affirms that all people have essential rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, free speech, specific cultural identities and self-determination, the formation of intentional mutually cooperative human communities, freedom from fear and threats to personal safety and well-being, and the right to fulfill personal potential through continued growth and development; and be it further
Resolved, That the church encourage the membership to support those organizations and movements which specifically work to secure the human rights of those whose rights are being violated.
WCR 1197 Human Rights Committee (1986)
Resolved, That the First Presidency establish an ongoing committee to continue a careful but sustained exploration of how the church can respond to human rights issues around the world.
WCR 1226 Human Diversity (1992)
We declare our belief that all are called according to the gifts of God to them. We therefore acknowledge and affirm human diversity by creating a spirit of openness and peace within our congregations where all people may find acceptance and the opportunity to share their giftedness. We commit ourselves to work with all people of goodwill to promote mutual respect, appreciation, and peace in all relationships.
VIOLENCE AND NONVIOLENCE
WCR 1195 Domestic Violence (1986)
Resolved, That the church condemns the use of violence in all of its various forms as a means to resolve conflict or to control another human being; and be it further
Resolved, That in every jurisdiction of the church, members individually and collectively work cooperatively with others in their communities to encourage the development and support of shelters, and to provide physical, financial, and spiritual ministry to the victims of domestic violence.
WCR 1317 Domestic and Sexual Violence (2019)
Resolved, that the 2019 World Conference express its solidarity with and show active support for those organizations and community groups that currently aim to eradicate familial and domestic violence wherever it occurs…[and] the conference requests that the First Presidency develop or make available culturally appropriate study materials regarding domestic and sexual violence and abuse with the intent that such material will become part of the required course curriculum for all current priesthood members and candidates for priesthood office.
WCR 1319 Nonviolence (2019)
Resolved, that, over the next three years Community of Christ members and leaders discuss the role nonviolence plays in the pursuit of "peace on and for the Earth" (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d) and in the life and mission of the church; be it further
Resolved, that, scriptural, theological, and historical discussion resources on the principles of nonviolence be produced and suggested for members and friends of Community of Christ as part of our continued commitment to peace education and advocacy; and be it further
Resolved, that, the position of Community of Christ on nonviolence be referred to the First Presidency for a report and/or statement to be presented to the 2022 World Conference.
CHILDREN
WCR 1235 Children’s Advocacy (1992)
Resolved, That each jurisdiction of the church be encouraged to select an individual who will serve as a children’s advocate to provide a safe person for children who cannot find safety in their homes or communities; and be it further
Resolved, That a children’s advocate will raise issues regarding the rights and welfare of children and keep those issues in the forefront of the jurisdiction, will be a liaison with other organizations working on behalf of children, and will be the voice for children who are voiceless in such arenas as building committees, budget committees, and program planning committees of jurisdictions and in other settings.
WCR 1250 The Nurture of Children (1996)
Resolved, That we applaud all national efforts to address the needs of children including those nations that have endorsed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. [Followed by a list of guiding principles].
WCR 1276 Sexual Abuse of Children (2002)
Resolved, That the church’s program and policies continue to include classes and information for pastors, priesthood members, parents, youth workers, and others in matters regarding sexual abuse of children, to include how to recognize sexual abuse, how to mitigate sexual abuse, and how to assist the victim in the recovery process within appropriate parameters of our role as ministers; and be it further
Resolved, That the World Church Leadership Council encourage all pastors, priesthood, and youth workers to complete and follow the program and policies that have been developed.
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
WCR 1224 Earth Stewardship Committee (1992)
Resolved, That an Earth Stewardship Committee be established as a standing committee to consider issues of environment and development and to give guidance to the church.
WCR 1270 Personal Use of Firearms (2000)
Resolved, That the church encourage in its members a thoughtful and reflective stewardship regarding the use of firearms for professional or for sports purposes; and be it further
Resolved, That the church encourage its membership to renounce the personal use of firearms for all other purposes as a response to the call to recognize the worth of all persons.
WCR 1273 Healing Ministry and Capital Punishment (2000)
Resolved, That we stand in opposition to the use of the death penalty; and be it further
Resolved, That as a peace church we seek ways to achieve healing and restorative justice.
WCR 1281 Organ Tissue Donation - Gift of Life (2004)
Resolved, That we recognize the great need for organ and tissue donations, and where culturally acceptable and allowed by governmental approval and appropriate medical assistance, we encourage all interested people to consider potential circumstances whereby such donations can be anticipated and give the gift of life.
WCR 1295 Human Trafficking (2010)
Resolved, That members of Community of Christ, in organized groups or as a part of their individual stewardship, investigate what resources exist in their area to help them fight slavery, and assist victims, and participate in those activities as appropriate given local considerations.
WCR 1311 Palestine and Israel (2016)
Resolved, That Community of Christ specifically declares its belief in the love of God for Muslims and Jews, and we denounce all Islamophobia and anti-Semitism; and be it further
Resolved, That Community of Christ join with other Christian, Jewish, Muslim, ecumenical, and secular peace movements in the call for peace in Israel and Palestine. We, with other Christians, call for the right of the State of Israel to exist in secure borders; for the cessation of Israeli military occupation and illegal settlements in the West Bank; and for the recognition of the State of Palestine.
WCR 1312 Opposition to Predatory Loan Practices (2016)
Resolved, That Community of Christ condemns predatory lending practices as immoral and sees them as a threat for luring vulnerable individuals and families into a debt trap that often pulls them into poverty; and be it further
Resolved, That Community of Christ partner with other faith groups and community organizations to advocate for reform of short-term, high-interest loans (such as payday and title loans) at national and sub-national levels around the world.
—Selected and compiled by Sue Sloan and Jim Hannah, Justice and Peace Team Council members