A Moment with the MCP – We Share…Enduring Principles (#7 in a series)

Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter
Lives of People of Colour Matter
 
This is the 7th in a continuing series on the “We Share…” theme. For background, see the first entry in the series here: We Share #1

Today, “We Share… Enduring Principles.” These are not the same as “Basic Beliefs” of the church – which we will discuss next week. Basic Beliefs might be seen as more “rational” statements about what Community of Christ believes which establish our place as a denomination within the greater Christian Church. “Enduring Principles” may appeal to our more emotional side. They “define the essence, heart, or soul of church identity, mission, and message. They describe the personality of the church as expressed through its participants, congregations, and affiliate organizations throughout the world.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 27)
 
There are nine principles:

• Grace and Generosity
• Sacredness of Creation
• Continuing Revelation
• Worth of All Persons
• All Are Called
• Responsible Choices
• Pursuit of Peace (Shalom)
• Unity in Diversity
• Blessings of Community

 
Descriptions of each principle can be found in Sharing in Community of Christ, beginning on page 28, or on the Community of Christ website. Each principle is described in a few sentences. The last sentence or two in each description begins with “We…” to indicate our sense of calling to live up to the principle and to describe the response that we believe is required to fulfill its ideal. A short essay such as this one could easily be dedicated to each Enduring Principle!
 
The principles are not numbered. There is no intended “hierarchy” of importance of the principles. People may express one or more as their “favourite” or “most meaningful.” Mostly, however, people will refer to each principle when it is appropriate for application to a current and pressing spiritual, moral, ethical, or social question or situation.
 
The foundation of every principle can be traced to “God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and continuing presence through the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed by scripture.” (Sharing, p. 27)
 
As we more frequently and consistently apply the Enduring Principles to our lives, and as we use them to help inform our efforts to improve our neighbourhoods, communities, and nations, we can gradually move the world closer to the ideals of Zionic community and help bring the Kingdom of God closer to reality on earth.
 
For more information about our Enduring Principles, contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs.
 
I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca