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Panel Information
2023 Sunstone Symposium
Session #224: Faithful Disagreement: Polyamory in Community of Christ
10:25 AM – 11:55 AM in room 200 D
Audio of the panel can be downloaded here. The official Sunstone audio will be available for purchase on August 15th, 2023, and this transcript will be updated to encourage people to purchase it at that time.
Session Description
Community of Christ has a reputation for being one of the most progressive and inclusive churches within the Restoration. However, even it struggles to accept some people that they don’t understand, such as polyamorous families.
In 2022 and 2023 polyamorous families and their allies have fought for dignity and equality in Community of Christ, achieving some successes, but also major setbacks. Community of Christ’s First Presidency has declined to engage in a dialogue to learn more about polyamorous families, yet still issued a policy barring polyamorous people from holding the priesthood (“The February Policy”).
In light of this, two polyamorous transgender women are taking the initiative to raise awareness about polyamorous families and the challenges they face within Community of Christ.
Message to the Reader
Doctrine and Covenants 161:3 says:
“A. Open your hearts and feel the yearnings of your brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, unloved. Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all.
B. Do not be fearful of one another. Respect each life journey, even in its brokenness and uncertainty, for each person has walked alone at times. Be ready to listen and slow to criticize, lest judgments be unrighteous and unredemptive.
C. Be patient with one another, for creating sacred community is arduous and even painful. But it is to loving community such as this that each is called. Be courageous and visionary, believing in the power of just a few vibrant witnesses to transform the world. Be assured that love will overcome the voices of fear, division, and deceit.
D. Understand that the road to transformation travels both inward and outward. The road to transformation is the path of the disciple.”
The transcript you are about to read is the stories of two polyamorous women who have felt lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, and unloved within Community of Christ. They are crying out from the desert and literally begging for you to be patient, open your hearts, listen to their stories, and be slow to criticize how they have structured their families. They want you to be courageous and visionary, and help love overcome the voices which want you to fear polyamorous families.
It is our prayer that our vulnerability and transparency helps create greater understanding and acceptance.
Download Audio
Audio courtesy of 2023 Sunstone Symposium