Voice

There is a sense in which our collective voice in North America has been increasingly quieted over the past 50 years. It began in the 1960s, which is beyond memory to our youth and young adults; ancient history, like talking about the 1400s. Never-the-less, the quieting began there when we began to hear disturbing questions being raised concerning the many truths we had always held up to the world. Was the Garden of Eden metaphorical rather than actual? Was the flood an incorporation of ancient mythology rather than a historical event? Could the Book of Mormon be true if it was not historical? The list of questions grew and grew, and we began to question every aspect of our sacred story, both ancient and modern.

Slowly but inevitably our voice which once called out with claims of being the “one true church” grew quiet. Our voice went from proclaiming in loud and confident if sometimes brash tones to speaking hesitantly and then to almost whispering. We were no longer sure what to proclaim.

While the latter half of the 20th century was a time of much needed questioning for us, as the 21st century dawned, new understandings began to move from concepts to words. It began with the prophetic leadership of Grant McMurray and has continued with Steven Veazey. Their discerned insights have been formed into words and phrases that await our grasp. Those words need to be lived and spoken.

Read anew the persistent and growing call that is reflected in Doctrine and Covenants Sections 161 – 164. Hear again the divine Voice that calls us to realize and share our blessings. See how often that Voice speaks the word “Community.” The Voice has gone so far as to say that this word not only matters but is so important that it is our very identity and calling! (D. & C. 163:1). This is not some new insight or theology but a fresh way of understanding what has always been true; our call is to create and invite others to community which we used to identify as Zion.

It is time for the Community of Christ in North America to find its voice. Oh we have learned a few things in the past 50 years. We need not shout brashly from the rooftops with inflated claims about who we are, but we do have something to say, and we need to say it. Our voice needs to be heard. It may be a quiet voice, especially at first as we experiment and discover what sharing community really means, but we do need to speak.

Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands and invite all to share in the blessings of community. (D. & C. 161:3a).

It is time we found our voice.

Posted by Carman