Reconciliation Movement also Touches RLDS-LDS Rift

Hello I would like to introduce myself. My name is James. I live in the Detroit Metro area of MI. (Soon to be moving to Lawton, OK.) I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since I was 16 years old. I am 22 years old. I have also been a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints aka Community of Christ for the last two years.

My troubles started when I began to research church history. I uncovered many things and spoke freely about things that troubled my bishop. He considered my activities "unfaith promoting." I considered them genuine historical research and scholarship.

My historical research began to focus on the succession crisis of 1844. As the LDS church likes to believe the succession of the 12 apostles was not the only legitimate mode of succession. The D&C also states that the president must also appoint his successor as well. This throws in the monkey wrench of Joseph Smith, III. JSIII I believe was truly appointed to be his fathers successor. There are too many diary accounts that confirm this that it should not be ignored. I believe the 12 should have been custodial leaders until JSII came of age. Since the 12 were in their right to lead the church then they were the correct choice at the time.

Since JSIII never joined with the 12 it creates and interesting situation. History repeats itself and another "apostasy" happens. Only this time legitimate priesthood authority stays upon the earth. The 12 lead the LDS while the RLDS was lead by scattered congregations throughout the Midwest, each under its respective priesthood. Jason Briggs and Zenos Gruley finally bring the congregations together for the Reorganization, ultimately with JSIII at the helm.

I believe that as long as a person is righteous and follows the dictates of the Spirit then the priesthood can never be taken away from them. Just because the LDS church says they excommunicated some of those members does not make it so in the eyes of God.

I was labeled an apostate by the LDS faith, although I was never subject to any disciplinary action beyond probation. I left the LDS church on my own choosing to keep my name on the rolls. I became a member of the RLDS church, and there I learned much about Zion and community building.

The RLDS are by far bigger promoters of the cause of Zion then any restoration faction. They even changed their name to be more inline with the concept of Zion as a community.

Just before the beginning of this New Year, I knelt in prayer and received a personal revelation that it was my time to return to the LDS church and take what I have learned about community building. I was told that I am not alone and that there are many both within and outside both churches working toward reconciliation of both bodies.

When I saw the reconciliation section at GreaterThings I knew that God is beginning to set things in motion. We are no longer on our own time but His. I think that it is essential for those who have alienated themselves from the LDS church, for whatever reason begin the reconciliation process. Even those of the fundamental RLDS restoration branches are beginning to reconcile with Community of Christ. Reconciliation is happening all throughout the Restoration. Glory be to God in the Highest!

Peace, James

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