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In 1994 denominational leaders of what today is known as Community of Christ, Comunidad de Cristo, Communauté du Christ, or other language equivalents, gathered in retreat in Colorado to reflect on the mission of the church. Out of that experience came the present mission statement: We proclaim Jesus Christ, and promote communities of joy, hope, love and peace. Also came the possibility of a new name "Community of Christ." In the years that followed the name would be presented to the church and conversation would ensue.

The 2000 World Conference would vote upon this name, and on April 6, 2001, 171 years after organizing in up-sate New York, and 141 years after reorganizing in Illinois, we officially became Community of Christ. I didn’t like the name. I was okay with having a new name, I just didn’t want this one. Or, so I thought. Sometime after the vote, perhaps even after the name change took place, I came to realize that I had already been using the name. I can recall right now sitting outside next to tents the night before a cross-country meet and talking with fellow team mates in 1999 and when asked what church I went to  responding with three words "Community of Christ." I’m not even sure I was really aware at that moment in time that the discussion was going on regarding the name of the church.  The congregation I was going to had been using it as a congregational name since about 1996 when we purchased a new sign, and I think a few others in the North-west were as well. It was the realization that I had already been embracing the name that I started to accept the name.

The summer of 2001, as I learned more church history and shared a portion of that story with others, had the opportunity to share the new name, I came to truly embrace and feel that yes we were "Community of Christ." over the years since it has been increasingly so. Though I must admit, in my wallet I carry two certificates of ordination one with the old name, and one with the new. (In part as the full date is on the old and only the month on the new).

1 year ago tomorrow the following words were heard by the church for the first time, were presented to the councils, quorums, and orders of the church for consideration on the 29th, and voted to become scripture for community of Christ on the 30th.

"Community of Christ," your name, given as divine blessing is your identity and calling. If you will discern and embrace its full meaning, you will not only discover your future, you will become a blessing to the whole creation. Do not be afraid to go where it beckons you to go."

Doctrine and Covenants 161:1

It is a powerful passage of scripture, that calls the church into much reflection, prayer, and response as does the remainder of the document. It affirms once again who we are, and who we are yet to be, all in the same name. I have great hope that we will embrace where it is calling us and so we can embrace this name and the divine calling found within it even more.

Today I write this post in reflection of words I received from an Episcopalian minister, who is an instructor of mine. I share them in part here:

It occurs to me, as I learn more about your faith journey, and having experienced the site visit, that “Community of Christ” is the appropriate name for your denomination.

I think, this voice coming from outside provides even more confirmation that this is who the Eternal is calling us to be. May we walk the prophetic path of discipleship, in communion with others and share the Peace of Christ with all we encounter while living in and promoting communities of joy, hope, love and peace. Members and friends of Communauté du Christ we have an exciting  and challenging journey ahead if we are willing to embrace what it truly means to be Comunidad de Cristo. I sure hope we are.

Peace be with you,