REORGANIZED CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS

(Please Read This Disclaimer)

ADDRESS: The Auditorium, Box 1059, Independence, MO 64051

OTHER NAMES: RLDS; Saints Church; "Other Mormons"

CURRENT LEADERSHIP: The First Presidency, made up of President Wallace B. Smith, great-grandson of the founder, assisted by two counselors, President Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. and President Alan D. Tyree.

MEMBERSHIP: Total enrollment of 244,186 members world-wide in 1,364 congregations, located in 38 countries. United States enrollment is 152,658 members in 1,056 congregations (1990).

HISTORICAL ROOTS: The RLDS originated during religious enthusiasm and revival associated with the Second Great Awakening in America (early 1800s). Joseph Smith, Jr., with background in Protestant religious tradition, laid claim to "restoration" of First Century Church principles and, based on divine insight and direction, founded the movement in Fayette, New York in 1830 to effect the "restoring" of Christ's church in its original form and with its original authority. The origin of the Church is traced to the organization established by Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1830. Upon Smith's death in Illinois in 1844 various persons made leadership claims and took with them parts of the church, the largest group following Brigham Young to what is now Utah. In 1852, a "new organization" of unattached members began in Wisconsin, and in 1860 Joseph Smith III, son of the founder, accepted leadership of what was to become the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Headquarters were established first in Illinois, then Iowa, and presently in Independence, Missouri.

BASIC BELIEFS: Members of the church believe in one God and in God's redeeming grace; in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; in the ministry of the Holy Spirit; in human worth, freedom, agency, and stewardship, in the church as a covenant community seeking to embody the ministries of Christ in the world; in ZION as a concrete implementation of the principles of the kingdom of God on earth, expressed both in present reality and future hope; in the call of each person to be a disciple, and in the particular call and or~nation of some men and women to priesthood responsibilities; in the sacramental ordinances of baptism (by immersion and for persons at least eight years old), confirmation, the Lord's Supper (Communion), administration to the sick, ordination, marriage and special blessing; in continuing self-revelation of God and in an open anon of scripture. The Bible (The "inspired Version,~ revision of the King James translation by Joseph Smith, Jr., is used and accepted. Other translations are commonly used in worship and study); Book of Mormon (accepted by the church as having been received by Joseph Smith, Jr., through the "gift and power of God" and containing an account of early inhabitants of the American Continent and their encounter with Jesus Christ); Doctrine and Covenants (a collection of writings primarily coming from the Church's presidents, accepted as inspired instructions to the present age). The Church is currently constructing a Temple in Independence, Missouri, which will have a program of ministry dedicated to the pursuit of peace, and to reconciliation.

PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: The church leadership and the biennial World Conferences, from time to time, may issue guidelines on various ethical issues which are published for the benefit of church members. In general, the members are expected to be of high moral character and in good standing with their church and community. Use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and non-medicinal drugs is strongly discouraged. Use of these would disqualify member from serving in the priesthood.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: World Headquarters Organization includes (1) the First Presidency, the chief executive officers of the church; (2) the Council of the Twelve Apostles, concerned with world-wide missionary activities and administration of the local churches under direction of the First Presidency; and (3) the Presiding Bishopric, concerned with church properties, financial matters and stewardship of members. Directorates, commissions, departments and staff assist these three major agencies in conducting the spiritual and business affairs of the church. Each biennium (2 years) delegates gather for a World Conference, directed by the First Presidency, and the church's program and financial affairs are defined by legislative acts of this body. Local congregations are presided over by self-sustained pastors, and are administratively related to states and districts and regions.

NATURE AND ROLE OF MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP: Various priesthood offices--deacons, teachers, priests, elders and high priests--have specific functions and responsibilities outlined in the law and practice of the church. High priests may be called to certain specialized functions within that priesthood and thus may function as president, apostle, bishop, and patriarch evangelist. Similarly, elders may be called to the specialized function of seventy, which is primarily concerned with missionary outreach. The President of the Church is considered to have a prophetic role and may, from time to time, receive divinely enlightened instructions to the church which became part of the church's sacred literature, subject to World Conference acceptance. Priesthood members who become military chaplains, and many who serve as appointees of the church, complete seminary or other ministerial training. Priesthood members who do not complete seminary are expected to prepare themselves through education and study to be effective wherever called to serve.

WORSHIP: RLDS chaplains or any member may conduct services, but administration of certain sacramental ordinances(see also "Basic Beliefs") is limited to specified priesthood offices. Group worship is not required, but it is recommended. There are no worship requirements, although regular church attendance is considered important. Members in the military are encouraged to participate in local branches and congregations contiguous to military installations. If none are available, then (1) to form denominational study groups, and (2) to attend and support the local military chapel activities. Home family worship (weekly or daily) is encouraged, especially to assist small children into better understanding of Christ, the family and the church. While there is no minimum "equipment" required for worship, availability of the Three Standard Books (Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrines and Covenants) is quite important.

DIETARY STANDARDS: There are no dietary requirements which would conflict with military practices.

FUNERAL AND BURIAL PRACTICES: There are no special requirements.

MEDICAL PRACTICES: No restrictions. Members frequently call upon elders of the church to provide a special prayer of blessing, known as "administration to the sick." Equal credence is given to benefits of faith and use of medical knowledge.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Present tradition of the church is the practice of closed(members only)Communion;however military chaplains are authorized to serve Communion without restriction. Members file a tithing statement annually and pay tithing due, and are expected to share the good news of the restored gospel with friends and neighbors by telling the story and living an exemplary life. While there are no restrictions regarding military service, individual preference is honored, and the church upholds (through official legislative action) the right of "agency," and will support each member in his/her decision concerning military service.

The Council of the Twelve Apostles supervises the Quorums of Seventy (see also "Leadership") and directs the missionary outreach of the church worldwide, as well as the work of organizing new missions in other countries and new branches and congregations in the United States. Additionally, each individual church member feels an obligation to share the good news of the restored gospel with others. Within a branch or congregation, the pastor will designate a member (usually in the priesthood) to coordinate these activities and establish a program of telling the story of the restored gospel to friends and neighbors.

GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS:

Davis, Inez Smith, The Story of the Church. 12 Vols. Independence, Mo.: Herald Publishing House, 1934-1985.

Judd, Peter A., and A. Bruce Lindgren. An introduction to the Saints Church. Independence, Mo.: Herald Publishing House, 1976.

The Priesthood Manual Independence, Mo.: Herald Publishing House,1990.

Tyree, Alan D. (ed.) and Basic Beliefs Committee. Exploring the Faith. independence, Mo.: Herald Publishing House, 1987 edition.

Who are the Saints? Independence, Mo.: Herald Publishing House, 1977. (booklet)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

W. Grant McMurray, Public Relations Commission, RLDS Auditorium, P.O. Box 1059, Independence, MO 64051, (816) 833-1000