Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants canonical; ongoing additions
Community of Christ accepts the Bible (multiple translations used), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants (Community of Christ version), and to a lesser extent the Inspired Version (Joseph Smith Translation) as scripture. The Pearl of Great Price (including the Book of Abraham) is not in the Community of Christ canon.
Uniquely, the Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants is an open canon to which sections may be added by World Conference vote when the prophet-president presents a new revelation. Recent additions include sections addressing peace, justice, and ecological responsibility. The Book of Mormon's role has been the subject of ongoing theological discussion within the church, with some progressive members giving it less centrality than in LDS tradition.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- 39 books (Protestant canon)
- Deuterocanonical status:
- not canonical
- Additional scripture:
- Book of Mormon (scripture but not required reading); Doctrine and Covenants (ongoing new sections)
- Canon open:
- open — World Conference can accept new D&C sections as scripture
Scripture References
- Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants 163:7a
Sources
- Community of Christ Basic Beliefs
- Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants (current edition)