Conversations about the religious and spiritual life on the other side of fundamentalism
 
282: Fostering Restoration Ecumenism:  Apostle Richard James

282: Fostering Restoration Ecumenism: Apostle Richard James

Photo Credit Wales in May Series by Nick Kenrick

Richard James is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, the lead missionary quorum of Community of Christ. He is assigned to the Eurasia Mission Field.

Richard was born in Swansea, South Wales.

In the spirit of LDS Restoration ecumenism Richard joins me to discuss how Community of Christ has developed as a vital expression of the LDS Restoration Movement.

8 Comments

    1. Jonathan

      If I was looking for a Church to join the CofC looks like it would fit the bill. When I was investigating the LDS Church in the mid-1970s, I also visited an RLDS Church in my native London. Even then, it was refreshingly different. Looks like it has continued to progress in terms of the quest for authenticity. I only wish the Church I chose to join at that time, the LDS Church, had similarly done so. I think I joined the wrong Church, personally speaking, in retrospect.

  1. Jamie

    Hello Gina, what an important message! It’s close to my heart because I too have grown up a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and am saddened that we are so isolated from and even discouraged from even looking at amazing people and faithful communities that share so many of our same beliefs. It’s my belief that the more understanding we get of people the better we can love them! And that’s what it’s all about!! That is what Christ is all about! There was a conference in Boise where all of the churches and groups of the restoration were invited to be represented so they could come to know and understand one another and focus on how what unites us is greater than what divides us. Did you see it? It really opened my eyes to how vast the restoration is and how many more people in the world are blessed by it. It is definitely worth a listen. Sadly the LDS church and Community of Christ Church declined the invitation to represent themselves. Anyway here are links to part 1 and part 2 in case you are interested in watching. (Part 1) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4SrKtKRP44 (Part 2) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x-PW0Vv4Pgc
    I truly admire what you are doing and think it is so important to have conversations about our faith if anything to bring awareness to those who were taught to ignore those outside of our circle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

  2. Jonathan

    If I was looking for a Church to join the CofC looks like it would fit the bill. When I was investigating the LDS Church in the mid-1970s, I also visited an RLDS Church in my native London. Even then, it was refreshingly different. Looks like it has continued to progress in terms of the quest for authenticity. I only wish the Church I chose to join at that time, the LDS Church, had similarly done so. I think I joined the wrong Church, personally speaking, in retrospect.

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