Refers to the second largest Mormon denomination. Its headquarters are in Independence, Missouri and it had a membership of more than 200,000 people by the late 20th century. The Community of Christ came out of one of the factions that developed after Joseph Smith's death in 1844. A group of Mormons rejecting Brigham Young's leadership instead claimed that Smith's son was the rightful successor; they did not follow Young to Utah. The leaders of the denomination were descendants of the founder up until 1996. This denomination actually rejects the appellation Mormon because of the association with polygamy. Followers feel that polygamy is not in harmony with the original tenets of the church or with the teachings and practices of Smith. Many of its doctrines are similar to those of other Mormon denominations but the church can be described in general terms as more liberal and more ecumenical. For instance, the Community of Christ allows women to be ordained, rejects the practice of 'blood atonement' called for by Young, and allows the general public to attend its services.
