The Community of Christ World Conference is more than just speaking the Bible, according to Chola Daudet. The weeklong event also serves as an exchange of cultural elements among the different worldwide nations that are represented.
“Naturally, when we meet in a world conference like this, the biggest thing is we are moving in our faith,” said Daudet, president of the South Central Africa Mission Center, which includes Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, “because alone in our culture, we don’t have everything that is needed to mature our faith. When we meet in such settings, we hope that we will be enriched with the diversity that is God-given.”
Daudet is among the international leaders already in Independence for the 2010 Community of Christ World Conference, “We Share,” which officially begins on Saturday. About 3,500 attendees are expected at the 2010 World Conference. The international Christian church includes 250,000 worldwide members in 50 nations.
“We, who live in developing countries – how can we be united with the rest of the world in Jesus Christ?” Daudet said. “How can we be accepted, and how can we accept the others in a world of such vast cultural differences? We are glad that people all over the world are eager to hear our voice.”
Richard Chapman, British Isles Mission Center president, previously attended only one World Conference back in 1984. Has Chapman noticed any changes in Independence since he last visited 25 years ago?
“Yes – they built a big building over there called a Temple,” Chapman said, referencing The Temple that was dedicated in 1994. “I don’t know; I only flew in last night, but we still get the same thunderstorms, I’ve noticed.”
Chapman said he received the Counsel to the Church well in advance before the World Conference, allowing discussions on it to take place in Britain. The Counsel to the Church, presented by Prophet-President of the Church Stephen M. Veazey, includes perspectives on different scripture passages and issues.
“It’s going to be interesting to get the other perspective of what does that mean for somebody living somewhere else or another continent or another place,” Chapman said.
Jennifer De Guzman, associate Southeast Asia Mission Center president, encouraged Eastern Jackson County residents – Community of Christ and non-Community of Christ followers alike – to attend World Conference to see the church family and the sharing among different cultures.
“The idea alone of this church seeking its members to come together as one, worldwide, is amazing for me,” De Guzman said. “It is a unique gift for the Community of Christ.”
