Community of Christ offers a rigorous Master of Arts in Religion program through Graceland University. As I rapidly move towards the end of my first year of Seminary, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude. My cohort is made up of 20 brilliant, diverse minds from all over the world, including Germany, Belgium, England, India, Tahiti, Canada, and the United States. This community is a beautiful expression of theological exploration, and I couldn't make this journey without them!

Together, we discuss. Together, we research. Together, we push forward. 

We are currently enrolled in the History of Christian Thought I, where we are learning about theological history of key figures as well as the church itself from the time of the Greco-Roman Empire to the eve of the Protestant Reformation. It's incredible how much we (as contemporary Christians) have in common with the people of this time. Some of their struggles are still our struggles, but in learning more of their journeys I've grown in my own faith as well.

If you'd like to learn more about Community of Christ Seminary, visit www.graceland.edu/seminary or just ask me! I'd love to tell you all about this wonderful program.

On Friday evening, November 18, John Hamer, Pastor of the Toronto Community of Christ congregation gave a presentation entitled, "There's More than One Kind of Mormon: A History of Schism in the Latter Day Saint Movement" in Calgary. The event was free and open to the public.

When I walked in to the Friday evening presentation I was delighted to see so many new faces of folks from across the Restoration Movement and beyond. More still, I was fascinated by the unique perspectives informed by the respective faith backgrounds in the room (Mormons, Community of Christ, Evangelicals, and more). The rich sense of curiosity was exciting, and it was wonderful to connect with - and learn more about - individuals interested in our narrative and/or heritage.

Many in attendance knew and/or recognized John's name (or his voice) from the countless podcasts he has appeared on, including: Mormon Stories, Project Zion, Rational Faith, Mormon Expression, Feminist Mormon Housewives, and Infants on Thrones. Equipped with evocative slides, John's presentation was loaded with eye-opening information, and those in attendance easily followed John's overview of the schism within the Latter Day Saint Movement. 

As the event organizer, I was thrilled to see so many interested in this topic, and in talking with many of the attendees, most seemed quite invigorated by the dialogue. As our congregation continues to identify methods of meaningful outreach, I am convinced that by hosting events focused on education, we will emerge as a trusted leader many can count on as we seek to fill a need for many seeking answers. 

The Calgary Community of Christ congregation is grateful to John Hamer for continuing to be invested in our success and for his willingness to share his ministry.

Below is the full recorded presentation from Friday evening. Feel free to share.