Onward Together is the emerging plan for Community of Christ in Canada, derived from the ideas, testimonies, and dialogue gathered in the All Voices discernment process. The plan is organized into five statements about the church’s identity, activities, mission, and values, reflecting commitments such as camping, retreats, reunions, and peace and justice initiatives.
1. As Community of Christ in Canada, we express who we are by…
A. Embodying the identity, message, mission, and beliefs of Community of Christ in and for the unique Canadian context
B. Promoting the vision of the church expressed in Sharing in Community of Christ through various media for a diversity of audiences
C. Envisioning a meaningful future of relevant mission with a focus on peace and justice initiatives, while honouring the past and present of Community of Christ
D. Adapting denominational policies to suit the Canadian context where necessary and crafting context-specific responses for questions not addressed by international headquarters
E. Fostering a culture of mutual respect church-wide and between individuals charged with different aspects of missional programming, administration, and funding
2. As Community of Christ in Canada, we bring people together through gathering ministries, including:
A. Camping, retreats, and reunions, that foster a sense of sacred community while prioritizing the health and safety of the youngest and most vulnerable
B. Diverse congregations that find relevant ways to engage with their communities
C. High profile, invitational church ministries like Beyond the Walls, as well as other online ministries and public-facing expressions of the church like Creating Connection
D. Regional and national conferences that amplify Canadian prophetic voices, provide educational opportunities, and enact legislation that positively impacts our worldwide fellowship
3. As Community of Christ in Canada, we share in mission through our many expressions, networks, and affiliates by:
A. Promoting and nurturing emerging networks of disciples and seekers organizing creatively for mutual support in achieving missional goals
B. Providing resources to congregations and new expressions of the church that are actively pursuing mission plans aligned with our Onward Together statements
C. Developing ideas, tools, and other resources relevant to mission and making them widely and freely available
D. Strengthening our relationships with Canadian affiliate organizations, including: Encounter World Religions, World Accord, Sionito, Zerin, the Agape Society, the MOM Project, and many others
4. As Community of Christ in Canada, we promote generosity by:
A. Growing the capacity of Community of Christ in Canada for supporting mission at home and abroad
B. Developing disciples to discover their talents and share their passion in ways that advance mission
C. Practicing stewardship of creation, individually and collectively, in light of the climate emergency
D. Reporting on the global impact of Community of Christ in Canada’s generosity
E. Exercising responsible stewardship over church assets, supporting current mission priorities while ensuring long-term institutional sustainability
5. As Community of Christ in Canada, we value temporal stewardship by operating strong administrative and financial structures that:
A. Unite Community of Christ in Canada together in one governance model/structure
B. Support programming across the country, taking advantage of operating efficiencies at the national level
C. Offer shared administrative and financial services to all expressions of the church in Canada, according to need and scope of ministry
D. Balance transparency and confidentiality, nurturing a culture of accountability and trust
