Join the Zoom discussions on Priesthood and Personal Relationships

Community of Christ in Canada will be hosting two online sessions to discuss the draft policy on Priesthood and Relationships on:

• Sunday, NOV 3 at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT / 2 pm CT / 3 pm ET
• Monday, NOV 4 at 4 pm PT / 5 pm MT / 6 pm CT / 7 pm ET

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Both sessions will be held via Zoom and will be open to all members across Canada. In the days following these discussions, a poll will be conducted to gauge if there is sufficient level of support to send the policy on to the Council of 12 and the First Presidency for review and approval. If approved, a resolution will be presented to the Canadian Church for ratification.

The draft policy affirms that the Sacrament of Marriage remains a blessing for those who choose to participate in it. However, the evolving culture and ethics of Canada have shifted from a focus on strict rules for relationships to promoting ethical qualities within chosen relationships. The proposed policy upholds the principles found in Section 164 of the Doctrine and Covenants, which emphasizes behaviours and relationships that affirm the worth of all people, protect the vulnerable, and are grounded in Christ-like love, mutual respect, justice, and faithfulness.

The key element of the draft policy states that marital status, cohabitation, and personal relationships will not have an automatic bearing on priesthood status in Canada. This policy will apply to all persons whose membership is in Canada, and may also extend to other countries that choose to adopt similar policies.

If you were not able to attend the CWM or CEM conferences this fall, please take a moment to delve into the background of this draft policy with Joan Thompson, member of the Standing High Council, with opening and closing thoughts from Apostle Art Smith.

This video presentation highlights the guiding principles—Christ-like love, mutual respect, and justice—that inform the policy and its commitment to protecting vulnerable members. Insights are provided on Canada’s decade-long process of discussion and consolidation, covering next steps, including the upcoming online discussions and the pathway to policy implementation.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQC9w-1U-HY

Please register to receive the Zoom link:

Nov 3rd session
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpd-mtqzgoG9QcZHmwvGwZzu0KjG9GB_rK

Nov 4th session 
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtdOCsqTIuGNIi8_WrDrV7dLK8kZDqDjm1

We invite all members to join in these discussions as we seek to faithfully discern the future of ministry within Community of Christ in Canada.