By Apostle Art Smith

Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing monumental changes in the Community of Christ across India, particularly in Odisha’s Kui and Saura tribal villages. While the ordination of women has been part of our global church since 1985, it wasn’t until this year, 2024, that women from these communities were ordained. The ordination of Budi Patika as a priest, alongside four other women as teachers, was a deeply moving experience and a historic milestone for the church in India. Then, on International Women’s Day, Daina Raika became the first woman elder in Odisha. These moments mark a significant shift toward gender inclusion and leadership within our church, especially in places where tradition had long delayed such progress.

In my article "The Rise of Women's Leadership in Community of Christ in India," I also reflect on the broader historical context of our church’s journey in this context. Our intentional efforts to avoid colonialist missionary approaches meant that some aspects of our identity—such as shared leadership and financial transparency—took time to develop within these communities. Yet, with the publication of key church documents in local languages and the establishment of mission centers, we’re seeing an exciting alignment with the global identity of Community of Christ, with women at the forefront of this transformation, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

While challenges remain, I am filled with hope and optimism. Our commitment to supporting emerging female leaders in India remains stronger than ever, and I look forward to the continued growth of leadership roles for women across this region and beyond.

I encourage you to read the full story in the Herald to gain deeper insight into the incredible developments taking place. If you don’t yet receive the Herald, you can contact your congregation's financial officer to request a subscription by mail.

We are excited to share that Community of Christ in Canada has made a donation of $10,000 to the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) in recognition of their 80th anniversary. This donation reflects our gratitude for the CCC’s vital role in fostering connections among Christian communities across the country, and for the opportunity to participate in meaningful ministries alongside fellow denominations.

In a letter addressed to the CCC’s leadership, Community of Christ acknowledged the profound impact of the CCC’s work. The letter specifically highlighted our collaboration in initiatives like Project Ploughshares, which aligns with Community of Christ’s mission to promote peace and reconciliation in the world. The letter reads:

“We are grateful for the opportunities the CCC has given Community of Christ in Canada to connect with fellow denominational leaders, to share in the results of your many studies and ministries, and to participate as fellow peacemakers in Project Ploughshares. In gratitude for the organization and its vital work, Community of Christ is pleased to make a donation of $10,000. We know this contribution will be put to good use by the CCC.”

As part of our ongoing commitment to support ecumenical efforts, this contribution reaffirms our desire to partner with organizations like the CCC, which fosters dialogue and collaboration among Christian traditions, strengthening our shared witness and mission.

The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) was founded in 1944 and today represents 26 member churches from a wide array of Christian traditions. Together, these churches represent approximately 85% of Canadian Christians. ​The CCC recognizes Community of Christ as an observer church invited to participate in the work of the Council and being in agreement with the Basis of its Constitution.

Find out more about the ecumenical work of the CCC at https://councilofchurches.ca

Stay informed with the latest financial updates from the Presiding Bishopric on October 8 via Zoom. This session will cover important topics that impact the church’s mission and finances, including:

• Worldwide Mission Tithes
  
• June Financial Update
• Endowment Funding
• September World Church Finance Board Meeting
• Generosity Cycle
• Giving Tuesday

Session times (both sessions cover the same content):

• Noon Session: 12:00 p.m. CT (10:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. MT / 1:00 p.m. ET)
  
• Evening Session: 8:00 p.m. CT (6:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 9:00 p.m. ET)

Languages:

• Noon Session: English, French, and Spanish
  
• Evening Session: English only

A recording will be available for those unable to attend. Register today to secure your spot and stay informed on these crucial financial topics!

As part of my role as Bishop of Canada, I am providing an update on the progress of our 2024 Worldwide Mission budget for the Community of Christ in Canada.

As of June 30, 2024 our Worldwide Mission budget, approved at $1,222,270, shows total revenues at 68% and expenditures at 46%. Thanks to the strong performance of our investments, which have returned approximately 14% so far this year, we’re in a favourable financial position.

However, we’re also counting on continued generosity for Worldwide Mission Tithes (WMT) to keep our mission thriving. While investments are strong, contributions to WMT are currently at around 30% of our annual target of $750,000. These tithes are essential to supporting key initiatives which we, as Community of Christ in Canada, support.

These initiatives include funding for Canadian Mission, Multinational Mission, Discipleship Formation, Communications, Abolishing Poverty and Ending Suffering. We encourage everyone to remember Worldwide Mission Tithes as you plan your giving for the remainder of 2024. Together, we can reach our goals and make a lasting impact.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the mission of Community of Christ in Canada.


Sam Smalldon, Bishop of Canada
Community of Christ in Canada
[email protected]  

The First Presidency invites the church to engage in the process of prioritizing the resolutions submitted for the 2025 World Conference. The World Church has set up two polling sites for Canadian members: one for Canada West and another for Canada East. To participate, please click the link corresponding to your mission centre.

Members have until December 15th to submit their recommended prioritization. The First Presidency will consider the survey results, gathered from across the church, to help establish the order in which resolutions will be addressed at the 2025 World Conference.

​Join us September 18  for a time of reflection and discussion with leaders of both Canada West and Canada East mission centres. This time, the theme for our Leaders’ Coffee and Conversation is "New leadership changes - Our hope for the future," and we will be focusing on the recent pastoral letter from Stassi Cramm regarding anticipated changes in World Church leadership at World Conference 2025.

Please join us on Zoom on September 18, at  12 pm PT / 1 pm MT / 2 pm CT / 3 pm ET

President-designate Stassi D. Cramm shares with the church the anticipated World Church leadership changes that will take place at the 2025 World Conference. These changes reflect the evolving needs of our community as we move forward together. In this pastoral letter, she outlines the calls for the reorganization of the Quorum of the First Presidency, the Council of Twelve Apostles, and other leadership positions.

We invite you to read the letter with prayerful consideration as we journey toward the next World Conference.