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Restoration Branches are the primary organizational and congregational units of the RLDS/Restoration movement. Formed primarily by RLDS church members withdrawing from active support of the leadership of the RLDS church in the 1980s which is now known as the Community of Christ Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 The Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS church is a branch of Christian Restorationism, and is the second largest denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... It has been suggested that Community of Christ membership statistics be merged into this article or section. ...

The Restoration Branch organizers considered the leadership of the RLDS church organization to have become corrupt or to have fallen into apostasy which began in 1957. Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 The Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS church is a branch of Christian Restorationism, and is the second largest denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Apostasy (from Greek αποστασία, meaning a defection or revolt, from απο, apo, away, apart, στασις, stasis, standing) is a term generally employed to describe the formal renunciation of ones religion, especially if the motive is deemed unworthy. ...

During the 1980's the final culmination was the installation of women in the priesthood as promoted by the Community of Christ, who officially changed its name in 2001 from the RLDS church. The branches continue to adhere to the fundamental principles on which the RLDS church was founded and assert only men have priesthood authority. It has been suggested that Community of Christ membership statistics be merged into this article or section. ...

There are other religious and doctrinal issues which are also disputed.

The establishment of the Joint Conference of Branches along with the Conference of Elders are the recognized central organizational structures currently recognized within the Restoration Branch movement. Along with this it is estimated membership numbers are currently around 12,000 baptized members.

The Restoration Branch movement is centered around Independence, Missouri which followers believe, as Joseph Smith Jr. and Joseph Smith III taught, was, is and will be the centerplace of Zion or the New Jerusalem. Independence is a city in Missouri, in the Kansas City metropolitan area. ... Daguerreotype which some experts believe to be an original 1843 photograph of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ... The original plat of the City of Zion (Independence, Missouri). ...

Doctrines

Basic Restoration Branch beliefs reaffirm what they perceive as the original RLDS doctrines as taught by Joseph Smith Jr. and Joseph Smith III. These are expressed concisely by the "[1]" by Joseph Smith Jr., and at greater length in the "Go Ye and Teach" slide series but the following information may also be helpful: Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 The Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS church is a branch of Christian Restorationism, and is the second largest denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Daguerreotype which some experts believe to be an original 1843 photograph of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ...

Six fundamental principles

The "six fundamental principles of the Restored gospel", often cited as the foundation of traditional RLDS belief, are found in the sixth chapter of Hebrews in the Bible. They are:

1. Faith towards God.
2. Repentance from dead works.
3. Baptisms of water and of the Holy Ghost.
4. Laying on of hands. (such as priesthood ordinations and administration to the sick)
5. Resurrection of the dead.
6. Eternal judgement.

Faith has two general implications which can be implied either exclusively or mutually; To Trust: Believing a certain variable will act a specific way despite the potential influence of known or unknown change. ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Baptism in early Christian art. ... The Holy Spirit, from the Christian viewpoint, while related to Gods will, is not Gods will personified. ... Look up Resurrection in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Priesthood

In the RLDS church, there are Prophets, Apostles, High Priests, Bishops, Patriarchs, Seventy, Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons.

Although some members of the higher priesthood offices (such as High Priests, Seventy and Patriarchs) still survive within the Restoration Branches movement, at this time the group only claims to be able to ordain Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons due to the scattered conditions they perceive in their Church.

Major ordinances

Ordinances in the Restoration Branch movement are seen as sacred covenants between the individual or married couple, and God. Some Restoration Branch members believe that only individuals with priesthood ordination's that can be traced back to the original RLDS church leaders can perform legitimate ordinances today. These ordinances include:

Blessing of children

Performed by two elders at the request of the parents, child blessings are performed with the purpose of dedicating the child to God. The parents are recognizing as taking upon them the responsibility of raising the child to maturity and that they will do their best to raise the child, teaching him or her the ways of Christ and the church. This ordinance is viewed as different from the christenings and infant baptisms performed in other denominations.

Administration for the sick

From time to time, members with physical, mental, or spiritual ailments call on the elders for administration. Two elders are usually present for this ordinance, in which "the elders of the church anoint the head of the sufferer with consecrated oil, lay their hands upon his (or her) head and offer a prayer for healing and blessing." Church Member's Manual, Chapter 6

Baptism of water

All Restoration Branches agree that baptism by full immersion in water, symbolizing physical rebirth and remission of sins, is requisite for membership. This ordinance may be performed by an elder or priest, and generally occurs in a baptismal font, when available. However, any body of waist deep water is acceptable for use in this ordinance. Prior to baptism, the recipient is required to receive instruction in church beliefs, generally in the form of a pre-baptismal class. Baptism is viewed as a covenant between the recipient and God.

Baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost

Also referred to as confirmation, this ordinance represents the spiritual rebirth of the recipient and seals the member into a covenant with God. Baptism of fire may occur during the same service as baptism of water, in an evening service following a morning baptism of water, or weeks, months, even years in some extreme cases may lapse between baptism of water and baptism of fire. In this ordinance, two elders participate, anointing the recipient's head with consecrated oil. Both elders then lay their hands on the recipient's head, and one of the elders prays for the receiving of the Holy Ghost by the member, thus completing the member's entry into the church.

Sacrament (communion)

The purpose of this ordinance is to remember the Savior and to renew the covenants made by the member at baptism. This ordinance entails adequate preparation by the members in reconciling with each other, a specific prayer of blessing is read over the bread (which is unleavened and homemade whenever possible), the participating priesthood is served first, then the priesthood serves the members in attendance. This process is repeated with non-fermented wine (new wine) that has also been made to scriptural specifications. This process is generally adhered to by all members, unless for any reason the emblems cannot be homemade, in which case the bread may be replaced with saltines and the non-fermented wine with grape juice. The Restoration Branches practice "closed communion," which means that only members who have been baptized in accordance with the original doctrines of the RLDS church may partake of the emblems.

Patriarchal blessings

In the Restoration Branch movement, the chief function of the patriarchal blessing is "to give authoritative, priestly blessing, invoked by a spiritual father representing God and the church...Other chief functions...are to give comfort when needed, or admonition, and especially good counsel as to a godly way of life, to rededicate and to consecrate, to bring a benediction from above, to help one find himself or herself and make an adjustment to life and its problems." Church Member's Manual, Chapter 6 Members of the Restoration Branch movement believe that the revealing of lineage may occur during a patriarchal blessing, as may the revealing of future events, but neither of these are main functions of the blessing or the spirit of prophecy that may be present at the blessing.

Marriage

Each individual marriage service is unique, but members are encouraged to have the service performed by an elder of the church, in a branch building, when possible. The prevailing attitude in the Restoration Branch movement is that marriage should be between one man and one woman.

Ordination

In the Restoration Branch movement, priesthood are called by revelation of the Holy Spirit to the presiding elder of a branch and at least one other priesthood member, or if in an isolated area, to the visiting missionaries, and to the member who is being called. In branches, the approval process varies somewhat, but it always culminates in the member being ordained in a service by the laying on of hands of two priesthood members. Requirements for the office of the ordainers varies according to what office the recipient is called to. Examples also exist in church history of individuals being ordained, as in set aside or chosen for a specific task, for purposes other than priesthood office.

The Church Member's Manual and the Restoration "Three Standard Books" can be consulted for further information.

Three Standard Books

The Restoration Branches body of scriptures consists of:

1. The RLDS Inspired Version of the Bible [2] (does not contain the Song of Solomon)
2. The RLDS 1908 Authorized Edition of the Book of Mormon, [3] not to be confused with the edition of the Book of Mormon in use by the LDS Church, or the RLDS 1966 Edition. Some Restoration Branch members also use the Restored Covenant Edition.
3. The RLDS Doctrine & Covenants [4] up to Section 144

Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 The Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS church is a branch of Christian Restorationism, and is the second largest denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, also called the Inspired Version of the Bible or the JST, is a version of the Bible dictated by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Book of Mormon[1] is one of the sacred texts of the Latter Day Saint movement, regarded by Latter Day Saints as divinely revealed, and named after the prophet-historian Mormon who, according to the text, compiled most of the book. ... The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ...

Differences from the Community of Christ

The central organization recognized by the Restoration Branches is the Joint Conference of Branches in association with the Conference of Elders.

There are many differences between the RLDS Restoration Branches and the Community of Christ: It has been suggested that Community of Christ membership statistics be merged into this article or section. ...

• The Restoration Branches do not believe in "disjunctive revelation" - meaning all genuine new revelations must completely agree with all genuine revelations given in the past. Restoration Branch members believe that the Community of Christ understands new revelation as innovative, thus it is not necessary to be cohesive in nature.

• The Restoration Branches believes priesthood authority is for men and women have different, though not inferior, callings and the Lord never intended women to hold priesthood offices. They do not recognize female priesthood callings in the CoC or ordinances performed by women. As support for this doctrinal position, Restoration Branch members cite the lack of women's ordinations in the Scriptures up until the sudden changes that took place in the 1980s which were the cause of the schism. The Restoration Branches specifically reject the Community of Christ's Doctrine & Covenants Section 156, which called for women's ordinations, as disjunctive and contrary to the word of God. The Community of Christ believes in the ordination of women.

• The Restoration Branches believe the Temple of the RLDS church is yet to be built and has not been established at this time.The Community of Christ believes as per the instructions given in Section 156 of their accepted version of the Doctrine and Covenants, have built a structure called the Independence Temple near the Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri, including a "World Plaza."

• Restoration Branches believe in the right to a voice and a vote of all members of the church as stated in the Articles of Incorporation of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (1872) They believe this particular portion of the governing law was not adhered to by Community of Christ leadership who invoked a Supreme Directional Control violating the branches and individual members rights to deliberative assemblies of church government especially during discussions on fundamental issues which caused the separation within the church.

• Restoration Branches believe in a Prophet and President of the Church and believe Wallace B. Smith, the current recognized Prophet of the Church as per the Restoration Branches, to be in apostacy. They also believe in lineal succession to the position as per the scriptures.

• Restoration Branches believe in the fundamental principles and doctrines of the RLDS church as established by Joseph Smith, Jr and up to 1957. The Community of Christ accepts all doctrines, revelations, etc. after 1957to the present day.[http://conferenceofbranches.org}

• Restoration Branches believe in close-communion, which means to unite as one. Although all are welcome to attend church meetings, they do not serve the sacrament to non-members.

Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 The Independence Temple is a house of worship and education dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit. It dominates the skyline of Independence, Missouri, USA, headquarters of the Community of Christ. ... A view of the Temple Lot with the Community of Christs Auditorium in the background. ... Independence is a city in Missouri, in the Kansas City metropolitan area. ... Supreme Directional Control was a controversial concept of theocratic democracy developed in the 1920s in the Community of Christ in support of President Frederick Madison Smiths assertion of ecclesiastical authority over management and policy-making of the church, especially in the periods between World Conferences. ...

Differences among Restoration Branches

Restoration branches currently exists as independent entities although they come together under both the Joint Conference of Branches and also the Conference of Elders to make decisions regarding the "church" as a whole.

Though all generally follow the traditional doctrines of the RLDS church, many have unique views on specific doctrinal and church government-related issues, and specific standpoints differ from member to member. These include:

• RLDS Name - Although a resolution was adopted to use the RLDS name through resolution at the JCRB Conference in April 2007, some branches are not sure if they should claim the name due to the actions of the Community of Christ church. Those in favor of using the name cite various historical precedents, such as Joseph Smith III's remarks during the Temple Lot case, to support their position that the Restoration Branches can and should use the name.

• Tithing - Many Restoration branch members give their tithes to the Joint Conference of Branches and as such, the central organization is uniting the branches. Restorationists believe one's tithes should be 10% of one's increase (defined as income after expenses) but the exact principle(s) are disputed, as to the distribution of funds. As per the RLDS "Articles of Incorporation" branches can vote on what they believe they should do about their tithing.

• Divorce and remarriage- Some Restoration branches and members believe that a couple's marriage covenant remains literally "until death do they part." They consider someone who divorced a spouse and remarried as being in adultery and use the term "serial marriage" to describe such situations. The term "serial marriage" has a political meaning that implies a similarity to "plural marriage". (the RLDS have always rejected plural marriage.)

Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 The Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS church is a branch of Christian Restorationism, and is the second largest denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... A tithe (from Old English teogotha tenth) is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, usually to support a religious organization. ... For the record label, see Divorce Records. ... Adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a partner other than the lawful spouse. ...

Organizations and Unity Among the Restoration Branches

Different organizations have formed in the Restoration attempting to unify the branches.

• The Conference of Elders was the first to restore order and unify the branches. It is a vital part of establishing the continued unity of the Restoration Branches and works to continue to spread the gospel of the RLDS church in conjunction with the Joint Conference of Branches. [5]

• The Pastors of Zion is an informal meeting of the chief executive officers of some Restoration branches, most of whom reside in the Independence, Missouri area. They hold an annual joint communion service for all members each April, usually during the Joint Conference of Branches Conference.

• The Joint Conference of Branches is the central organization of the Restoration Branches and is heading the effort to unite the branches as they establish global spreading of the gospel. They accept tithing, coordinate missionary work and the general functions of the branches as a unit. This organization was formed after the Conference of Elders in response to the needs of the people and under the voice and vote of the Restoration members. It continues to serve as a united force where the membership can come together to work on their unified goals and establish Zion.

External links

More information

• RLDSWiki's entry on the Restoration Branches

Conferences

• The Conference of Restoration Branches
• The Restoration Elders Conference

Higher Priesthood

• The Restoration Patriarchs
• The Restoration Seventy

Branches

• The CenterPlace.org Branch Directory

United States

Independence, Missouri

• Devon Park Restoration Branch
• Hill Cumorah Restoration Branch
• Zarahemla Restoration Branch

Missouri

• Buckner Restoration Branch in Buckner, Missouri
• Missionary Restoration Branch in Buckner, Missouri
• Washington Restoration Brnach in Excelsior Springs, Missouri
• Colbern Road Lake Latawana Restoration Branch in Lee's Summit, Missouri
• Oak Grove Restoration Branch in Oak Grove, Missouri

Buckner is a city located in Jackson County, Missouri. ... Buckner is a city located in Jackson County, Missouri. ... Excelsior Springs is a city located in Clay and Ray County, Missouri. ... Lees Summit is a city in Jackson County and Cass County, Missouri. ... Oak Grove is the name of some places in the U.S. state of Missouri: Oak Grove Village, Missouri in Franklin County, Missouri Oak Grove Heights, Missouri in Greene County, Missouri Oak Grove, Jackson County, Missouri Oak Grove, Madison County, Missouri This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles...

Colorado

• Colorado Springs Restoration Branch

Iowa

• Mt. Ayr Restoration Branch

Michigan

• Algonac Restoration Branch

Ohio

• Kirtland Restoration Branch

Pennsylvania

• Punxsutawney Restoration Branch

Texas

• Dallas Restoration Branch
• Fort Worth Restoration Branch

Central America

• Belize Restoration Branch in Corozal, Belize.

Resources

• CenterPlace.org
• RLDS Resource page
• RestorationProphecy.org
• Restoration Branches RLDSWiki

Other organizations

• Restoration Voice magazine