New Priesthood and Personal Relationships policy now in effect in Canada

Community of Christ in Canada has adopted a new national policy concerning priesthood and personal relationships. Under the new policy, cohabitation is no longer an automatic disqualification for ordination or continued service in priesthood. All other expectations for priesthood ministry remain unchanged.

This change responds to long-standing concerns about how past policies affected members in committed relationships outside of marriage. While not identical to the proposals brought forward last year, this policy seeks to remove one of the key barriers that prevented people from responding to a call to priesthood.

The policy affirms the principles of covenant, mutual respect, responsibility, and Christ-like love as foundational to all relationships, and recognizes the evolving cultural and ethical context in which we live and minister. At the same time, it upholds the expectation that priesthood members model an ethical and holistic lifestyle rooted in the gospel.

We know that members across Canada will receive this news with a range of responses. We remain committed to open and respectful dialogue as we walk together.

For questions about how the new policy may apply to individual circumstances, please contact your pastor or mission centre president.

READ POLICY (PDF)

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND BACKGROUND

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