The Community of Christ recognizes that 1 John 5:7-8, in the Trinitarian form, has a complex textual history and is not found in the earliest manuscripts. The Community's progressive approach allows for scholarly awareness while maintaining openness to various interpretations.

The passage is not understood as essential to Christian faith or doctrine. The Community's theology does not depend on this disputed text, and the Community allows for interpretive flexibility regarding how to understand the passage's authority and meaning.