 The World Church has created a playlist of Leader Profiles on the Community of Christ YouTube channel. These profiles are a chance to hear directly from those who have accepted calls to lead with vision, humility, and love.
Of special note are interviews with our newly ordained apostles: Shannon McAdam, Matthew Frizzell, Carrie Welch, Kat Hnatyshyn, Adam Wade, and Joey Williams. Click the links below to watch the interviews.
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 Whether you made your way to Independence, joined in from the Kitchener remote site, or followed along online, this video recap captures the celebration, worship, and community of World Conference 2025.
Beautifully produced in the Auditorium studios you will be able to see the theme “Hope is Here” shining in every face and moment.  Bill Ashwell, a lifelong member of the Cambridge, ON congregation, shares reflections from his first journey to Independence and World Conference—a deeply personal experience shaped by family heritage and a long history of faith.
This, without question, has been the trip of my lifetime: my first trip to Independence and World Conference. I have given much thought to my life in the church and its place in my family's history. Last June, I was invited to be the guest speaker at the 125th anniversary service for the Port Elgin congregation. I was honoured and at the same time a wee bit anxious about this. As I began to research the history of the congregation, I counted a familial connection of seven generations (including nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews). Do the math and that adds up to 125 years of spiritual connection of birth, life, and family in this church that brought me to Independence to gather, share and fellowship with church members from all over. The twelve-hour drive from Sarnia gave me ample time to ponder the significance of this trip. Circumstances were such that we arrived a week early, allowing us to “chill” for a week or so and do the tourist thing. Saturday gave my brother-in-law, Rick and me, the opportunity to begin our sightseeing in and around Independence. As we drove through the tree-lined side streets, I caught glimpses of the Temple spire and my heart quickened in anticipation. This was happening! This was real, not just some glossy church publication photo! I was fumbling with my phone as we arrived at the Temple/Auditorium complex. “Here we are,” Rick said quietly. He knew what this experience would mean to me. At that moment I forgot about my phone as my heart exploded! I was nearly speechless with emotion. I had never, EVER been so overwhelmed and overjoyed! This was a moment for which I had waited my entire life. (okay, as far as the Temple goes, my entire ADULT life...) I was simply awestruck and exhilarated!! At that moment I thought of my ancestors, and how their newfound faith brought them to congregate in a small lakeside, Ontario town and create, grow and nurture a faith community of their own. I thought of my mother and father, Marilyn and Bill Ashwell, who, each in their own way, lived and loved their Lord and God, and carried that devotion in their hearts and souls until their dying days. While we were there, the carillon at the Stone Church started playing the old hymns and as I took a few photos of the building, I saw a female cardinal fly in my direction and land on a low tree branch. I knew right then and there that Mom and Dad were there with Rick and me. It was an emotional day for me, to say the least. I am feeling blessed and happy.  May 31 to June 6
Theme: Hope is Here The 2025 World Conference promises to be a historic, Spirit-led event. Major leadership calls will be considered—including Prophet-President, Counselors to the President, Presiding Evangelist, President of the High Priest Quorum, and six new Apostles. Whether you’re attending in person or connecting online, there are many ways to participate. All worship and legislative sessions will be livestreamed on YouTube, and observers are warmly welcomed throughout the week at our remote site in Kitchener, ON. Don’t miss these key moments! (All times Eastern) Saturday, May 31 9:30 a.m. – Opening Legislative Session Includes the opening ceremony, conference organization, farewell from the First Presidency, and presentation of the inspired call to serve as Prophet-President. 8:00 p.m. – Evening Worship: Telling and Singing Our Story A celebration of President Stephen M. Veazey’s 20 years of leadership through music and storytelling. Sunday, June 1 11:00 a.m. – Communion Service Presided over by the Council of Twelve Apostles in the conference chamber. 3:00 p.m. – Legislative Session Features consideration of the Prophet-President call and the proposed Statement on Nonviolence. 8:00 p.m. – Evening Worship Pending Conference approval, this service will include the ordination of Stassi D. Cramm as the next Prophet-President of Community of Christ. Wednesday, June 4 6:30–8:30 p.m. - Evening Social at Kitchener Church Come enjoy a relaxed evening of connection, conversation, and pizza! Everyone is welcome — bring a friend! Please RSVP Mary Jean Belrose ([email protected]) Legislative Exploration Session Videos Summary videos from early 2025 Legislative Exploration Sessions are now available. These include comments, questions, and insights from across the church. Watch Here Observers Welcome! Come watch the legislative sessions for FREE at Kitchener Church — happening Monday to Friday. Be part of the experience and see the process in action! Reserve your spot!  Experience World Conference — Here or There! With just over 20 days to go, anticipation is building for the 2025 World Conference! For the first time ever, you can participate either in person in Independence or closer to home in Kitchener—a unique opportunity to be part of history, wherever you are. A Historic Moment Don’t miss this significant gathering, as the very first item of business will be the consideration of Stassi Cramm’s call to serve as President-Prophet of Community of Christ. This will be addressed on Opening Day (Saturday). Several other inspired calls will also be presented, including our own Shannon McAdam’s call to the office of Apostle. Click the button below to read the full pastoral letters. We Still Need Delegates! There’s still time to join our delegation! If you feel called to participate, this is your moment. Sign up with Melissa at [email protected] – registration fees are fully covered by Community of Christ in Canada Canada. Observers are warmly welcome, both at the Kitchener site and online. Whether you're discerning future participation or simply wish to witness the process, you are invited to attend. Joining from Home? You can livestream all legislative sessions and worship services from home. Register here to watch the sessions Click the button below for more information. What to Expect Wednesday Evening Social — All Are Welcome! As our Canadian delegates gather in Independence, we’ll connect in Kitchener for pizza and fellowship on Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. This event is open to all—come enjoy relaxed community time together! Lunch & Learn Sessions (Monday–Friday) Join us each day for a simple lunch (free-will offering) and a special presentation: Monday: Kristin Douglas – World Accord Tuesday: Brian Carwana – Encounter World Religions Later in the Week: Rod Downing (TBC) – North American Climate Justice Team (Live video session) Caucus Sessions (Saturday & Monday–Thursday) These local (in-person only) gatherings will help us:
Shared Worship Opportunities We’ll gather in worship each evening and with the full Conference Chamber on Sunday. All worship services will also be livestreamed for home participants. Need a Place to Stay? A limited number of billets are available for out-of-town guests. Please contact: Mary Jean Belrose at [email protected] See the attached schedule to help plan your experience. We hope you’ll join us—whether in Independence, Kitchener, or from your own home—for this meaningful, Spirit-led gathering of our global community. 
 The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, in partnership with Community of Christ, is offering a new summer opportunity through the Alma Blair Internship Program.
This year’s position is based at the F. M. Smith Library on the Graceland University Lamoni campus. The selected intern will work with the university archives, assisting with the organization and exploration of the archival collection. To learn more or apply, please visit the job posting.  We know some members are feeling uncertain about travelling to the U.S. right now. You’re not alone—and you have options. We’re excited to offer a remote gathering at Kitchener Congregation where delegates from across Canada can fully participate in the legislative sessions of World Conference—no travel to the U.S. required.
What to Expect Remote Delegate Participation Thanks to a special provision by the First Presidency, this remote site allows full delegate engagement. Canada East Mission has 74 delegate spots, with only about 30 currently filled. Canada West Mission has room for nine more. If you’ve been considering serving, now is the time. Your voice matters. Observer-Friendly Environment Not a delegate? You’re still welcome to attend. Join us for worship, discussion, and fellowship throughout the weekend. Be Part of History Celebrate the ordination of Stassi Cramm to the office of Prophet-President and honour the ministry of Stephen Veazey as he retires. Witness the call of Shannon McAdam to the Council of Twelve—a significant moment for Canada. This year’s theme, Hope is Here, rings especially true. Reserve Your Spot If you're a current delegate or would like to serve as one, contact Sam Smalldon at [email protected]. To learn more about the Kitchener gathering or reserve your place, reach out to Melissa Freer at [email protected].  Are you a singer or instrumentalist? Whether you’re currently active or haven’t picked up your instrument in a while, you’re invited to be part of a collaborative music group for the Thursday evening worship service at World Conference (5 June).
Graceland University’s Director of Bands is organizing this group, and all rehearsals and meetings will take place online before the event. All ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. If you’re interested, please complete the form below so the director can begin shaping the group. Let’s make music together!  In this statement from the Human Rights Team, Community of Christ uphold the fundamental and equal human rights of all people regardless of sex and gender differences. The team challenges individuals and communities to uphold the equal worth of all persons, across all nations, societies, and cultures and to seek justice and equality for all persons regardless of sex and gender differences.
Community of Christ believes God created all human beings diverse, of equal value, and of inestimable worth. World Conference Resolutions and recent passages of the Doctrine and Covenants also challenge the church to confess limitations in human understanding and to celebrate human diversity in creation.  In the latest episode of the Project Zion podcast, Shannon McAdam, Canada West Mission co-President, reflects on her life story as she looks forward to her new call to serve in the Council of Twelve.
From rule-following teenager to mischievous Gracelander, to volunteer leadership in the church and a career in technology and business sales, Shannon has spent her life journeying with God in community. A strong advocate for women and First Nation peoples, Shannon brings a deep passion and care for the needs of others, and the need to create a bigger circle of inclusion. Featuring a variety of topics, guests, and panelists Project Zion Podcast explores the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers today’s world. Full-length episodes post every Tuesday and Friday, with occasional bonus episodes or “extra shots” featuring partners and special interests posted in-between. Click on the button below to listen to Shannon’s episode and download the transcript from the Project Zion website. |
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