Elvis Mwimba of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), reflects on Acts 2 and the call to unity in diversity as expressed through the work of the church. In the midst of cultural, religious, and social challenges, he shares how Community of Christ in the DRC seeks to embody peace, justice, and Christ-centered community. This reflection was shared on Beyond the Walls on April 26.

I am one of the many people who gathered in the Philippines to develop resources for the life of the Church based on the central chapter of Acts 2, which presents us with a powerful image of the early Church. People from different nations, languages, and cultures come together in Jerusalem. This reminds us of a fundamental truth: unity does not mean uniformity. God does not eliminate diversity, but uses it to build a community founded on love, justice, and peace.

It is in light of this passage that we reflect today on the mission of the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I live, in the face of numerous cultural, religious, and social challenges. The DRC is a country rich in cultures, languages, traditions, and mineral resources. This diversity is a blessing. However, in reality, it often becomes a source of division. Instead of love, we see tribalism, which pits brother against brother; the rejection of others because of their origin, language, or religion; and the loss of a sense of community.

In contrast to the spirit of Acts 2, where everything was shared, our society is marked by selfishness, mistrust, and sometimes hatred. The Church is called to be a prophetic model, showing that another way of living together is possible in Christ.

In certain regions in particular, the country is deeply affected by armed conflict, population displacement, trauma, poverty, and injustice. War destroys not only bodies, but also relationships, hope, and human dignity.

Faced with this reality, the Church affirms an essential Enduring Principle: The Pursuit of Peace (Shalom). Here is how our Church puts this enduring principle into practice in our country.

In response to a number of epidemics that had struck several regions of the country in recent years, the Church allocated funds for medicines and other healthcare supplies, as well as providing free access to care for the needy through the provincial government. There is a midwifery program called WA SAIDIZI that was established by the Church, where women have been trained in this profession to assist with childbirth and reduce the associated mortality rate in villages.

The DRC is a deeply religious country. However, we see conflicts between Christian denominations, tensions between religions, and the use of religion to manipulate or divide. Yet the Church’s mission is not to dominate, but to serve; not to build on religious competition, but on the living witness of the love of Jesus Christ.

The Church affirms that every human being, regardless of faith or background, is loved by God.

Tribalism is one of the deepest challenges in the DRC. It sometimes even permeates the Church. Yet Acts 2 shows us a Church where the primary identity is no longer tribal, but Christ-centered. Unity in diversity is at the heart of the Church’s mission.

This means welcoming all cultures into the Church; rejecting all forms of discrimination; and building a community where belonging to Christ is stronger than ethnic identity.

Admittedly, in the face of these challenges, the Church’s influence is not yet strong or very noticeable, but we are working hard in every region where the Church is present, living out our identity through small actions that make a difference and impact the surrounding society, to offer a space for healing, a prophetic voice against injustice, and a reflection of the Kingdom of God within Congolese society.

​By John Hamer, Director of Outreach and Innovative Mission

This week Community of Christ in Canada joined with other jurisdictions of the church, including the British Islands and European mission centres in signing the “Joint Interfaith Statement on the Occasion of the 11th Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference.”

The NPT entered into force on March 5, 1970, with the goals of (1) slowing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and (2) reducing existing stockpiles of these weapons.  By signing the treaty, the nuclear-weapons powers at the time, the United States, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), the United Kingdom, France, and China, agreed to enter into talks to reduce their existing weapons stores with the eventual goal of nuclear disarmament. Meanwhile, states without nuclear weapons (like Canada) who signed the treaty agreed not to develop nuclear weapons of their own. (As a note of clarification, while restricting nuclear weapons, the NPT affirms the right of all signatories to develop nuclear power for peaceful, civilian energy purposes, if they so choose.)

While the world has lived under the threat of a potential nuclear holocaust since nuclear weapons were first developed in the 1940s and 1950s, the NPT has achieved some successes.  Since their first use against Imperial Japan at the end of World War II, nuclear weapons have never again been used in warfare. And, for a time, the US and Russia did enter into agreements that limited their own nuclear weapons stockpiles. While nuclear weapons have proliferated, the number of new nations to develop them has so far been limited to India, Pakistan, North Korea, and (likely) Israel. 

Unfortunately, the passing of the last generation to have witnessed the use of nuclear weapons on civilian populations in time of war, and the current threats to the Rules-based global order, have made recommitment to the NPT more urgent than ever.  Retired Apostle Andrew Bolton, the church’s former Peace Officer, brought the Interfaith Statement to the attention of our Field Apostles, Lachlan Mackay and Shannon McAdam, who forwarded it to the Canadian Leadership Team with a recommendation of their support for its consideration.  After deliberation, the Canadian Leadership Team approved the recommendation and empowered Sam Smalldon to sign the petition as Mission Centre President of Record.

We feel that this action aligns with our values as a church.  In recent years, we have been discerning and exploring our identity as a peace church. Our historic seal’s one-word motto is “Peace,” and the pursuit of peace is both a Mission Initiative and an Enduring Principle of our church. In addition, Community of Christ has an ecumenical and interfaith outlook, understanding that although relatively small in size, we can achieve important goals by working with like-minded faith organizations. 

The Onward Together plan calls on “Community of Christ in Canada to express who we are by embodying the identity, mission, message, and beliefs of Community of Christ in and for the unique Canadian context.”  We believe that as a Community of Christ in Canada, we can affirm our commitment to being peacemakers by working with other faith communities ready to make similar commitments.

Aloha from Hawaii! 

​We have been on a tour of the Pacific Islands Mission Centre and our first stop was Hilo on the big island in Hawaii, then we headed to Oahu for Holy Week. We visited every congregation in Hawaii, including the campground. We met with many members for classes, worship, and fellowship. Easter Sunday culminated in a worship with all the congregations in Oahu together, and, of course, a huge Pot Blessing meal.

Mahalo!

By Lanette Vawter, Director of Leadership Development

This morning I was staring out the window, watching the rain pouring down, wondering when it was going to stop and longing for sunnier, warmer weather. And yet, three days ago I was hoping it would rain so I wouldn’t have to water some of the seeds I had just planted.

I seem to always be caught up in the past or the future, thinking longingly of past warm spring days or planning, planning, planning so some future me will be better than who I am right now. However, when I am able to simply be present to the simple moments that are happening right now, I suddenly open to the sacred everywhere. I stop being so busy that I actually notice the person who held open the door for me, I smell the beautiful rain-cleansed air, and I notice my very being in the world. Life suddenly seems so ordinary and breathtaking all at the same time.

As I reflect on how important these small moments are, I also notice how often we allow our emotions and actions to be hijacked by the external commentary of media and political groups who have some axe to grind. Instead of this, what if all our actions came from deep within us and consisted of treating all beings and our earth as if they mattered and were loved by us? Not wistfully dwelling in the past or furiously working for a future that never comes, but creating moments of peace right now in this moment. The scriptures tell us to forgive, to love, be open, show mercy, do good, and be reconciled. The letter in 2 Corinthians 13:11 ends with a benediction: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Be restored; encourage one another; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

I wish to walk on the earth with gentle, kind attention; to not be afraid to love those I disagree with and to see the relentless beauty of life in the midst of sorrow and despair. To love the world right now, as it is, could be a revolutionary act of peacemaking.

Emerge: An online meetup for youth ages 14-18—Apr 26
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Be part of something special—Emerge is an online space where youth ages 14–18 can meet new friends, share experiences, and grow together in community. Everyone is welcome, and we’d love to see you there!
🗓️ Sunday, April 26
🕕 7pm ET/  6pm CT/  5pm MT/ 4pm PT

​International Youth Forum 2027 dates announced
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Planning is underway for the next Community of Christ International Youth Forum (IYF), with initial details now available. IYF 2027 will take place Wednesday, July 7–Friday, July 9, 2027, at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA.

Additional host sites around the world are being explored, with dates and locations still to be confirmed. Updates will be shared as planning continues.

By Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability

I recently had the privilege of hosting a Zoom gathering called “Calling All Cooks.” As I listened to the challenges, creative workarounds, and sharing of best practices, I was deeply humbled by the depth of ministry these too-often unsung heroes provide within our camping communities.

Darlene Kent graciously agreed to share the wealth of knowledge she has gathered over many years of cooking at camps. It became clear that the thoughtfulness behind meal planning goes far beyond simply creating a menu. Camp cooks collaborate closely with directors, carefully considering schedules, activities, the group they are feeding, and the rhythm of each day.

Respecting food sensitivities is only the beginning. There are countless unseen details that contribute to a successful camp meal. Challenges you might never consider—like sourcing, transporting, and safely preparing food for 150 people on time—become significant logistical hurdles. These cooks rely on volunteers to assist with tasks such as prepping vegetables or setting out desserts, yet they carry the ultimate responsibility with grace and dedication.

When I attended the funeral of Irene Jackson earlier this year, we heard how her years of cooking ministry at Erie Beach left lasting impressions and created meaningful memories for so many. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that this work is not just about food—it is about care, community, and connection.

This year, some individuals are stepping into this role for the very first time—kudos to each of them. Others are walking alongside new cooks as mentors, passing on wisdom, encouragement, and practical skills that will sustain this ministry into the future.

To all who serve in this way, thank you. Your ministry nourishes far more than bodies—you nourish spirits, build community, and create sacred moments around the table. And to those who enjoy the fruits of their efforts, please show your appreciation.

Meghan Sloan-Gray of Blue Springs, Missouri, reflects on her experience at the Philippines Writers Summit, where an initial sense of uncertainty gave way to belonging, creativity, and shared joy across cultures. What began with apprehension became a lived experience of Acts 2, as people from many nations formed a community shaped by openness, listening, and the Spirit at work among them. This reflection was shared on Beyond the Walls on April 12.

Two months ago, I arrived in Roxas, in the Isabela province of the Philippines, for the Community of Christ International Resource Summit. I was excited but apprehensive. Not only was this a new culture and country—thousands of miles from my own—but I also was feeling unsure of my giftedness. Yet, incredibly, 70 people from 23 different nations created a vibrant, spirit-filled community! Almost immediately upon entering the Shaw Center for the first time, our community coalesced. The spirit of Pentecost, with many languages, cultures, and songs, was as real and as vibrant as what is described in Acts. In the mornings and evenings, we were transported to and from our hotels via jeepneys, which are decorated, repurposed U.S. Army jeeps. About 20 people crammed together on two long rows facing each other. We were families in those jeepneys, checking in with each other, sharing donuts in the morning and in the evenings highlights from the day, ensuring no one was left behind before our driver departed. 

Community of Christ is Blessings of Community. It was strangely and wonderfully disruptive to be in a developing society and faraway nation where many of us felt uncomfortable or unfamiliar. We were all in the same boat together! That knitted us closer together. It also made me more aware of my own creature comforts and blind spots. I stopped complaining about my dirty hotel shower, which might be much better than someone else's back home! The country and culture were, in fact, an aid in going deep spiritually. I was definitely unsettled, worrying about always having enough clean water, access to a toilet, and even the luxury of a hot shower. Being willing to try new experiences and flavours, to hop on the jeepney, write the poem or paint the picture that is intimidating, clasp the hand of a stranger—these have been unsettling but usually rewarding experiences.

Community of Christ is Unity in Diversity. I remember the night that we returned from a trip to a local village after hours in a bumpy, hard-seated bus. Many of us were exhausted from the jerky bus ride that seemed to never end. I was grumbling to myself (and maybe to my bus-mates), and then a noisy group unloaded from another bus. They were singing! The nerve of them! I was so tired and only wanted the quiet of my hotel bed. But they persisted in their joy. They sang and invited other people into the group, and pretty quickly I found myself dancing along. And then I smiled, and I sang. And you know what? That was exactly what I needed at that time! They lifted my spirits and helped me rediscover the joy of the moment.

Community of Christ is communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. I arrived very aware that I was a white American with a story that has often been heard and prioritized over others. And I tried to listen to other stories first and foremost. But I was also deeply inspired by everyone’s creativity. As I continue to reflect on the Summit, I want to share more international voices with my congregation and mission centre in the greater Independence, Missouri, area. The stories, both joyous and heartbreaking, of our siblings across the world have not always had the platform they deserve. But their languages, cultures, and contexts make our Community of Christ tapestry richer and more harmonious. And indeed, “God pours out God’s Spirit upon all flesh!”

Community of Christ is the Worth of All Persons and All Are Called! In closing, I’d like to share a poem that I wrote along with Shannon McAdam, Kahealani Drollet, Kareva Tetumu, and Kerstin Jeske. We combined descriptions of each of our homes in the USA, Canada, France, New Caledonia, and Norway into one, beautiful whole:

We are maple-smoked bacon, chicken noodle soup, porc rillettes, Chinese food and sashimi, and curried deviled eggs.
We are brown coal and birds singing; church bells; crickets and dogs barking; smells of cedar overhead and underfoot; scented candles burning.
We are mama; Jayson and Andrew; Charlotte and Savannah; Annamaria and Sophia; baby Otto and his sister to come.
We are sand of the rivers; limestone cliffs, woods, and burbling creek; fjords; prestigious castles of the Loire valley; mountains to the north.