The Church of Jesus Christ's historic chapel in Monongahela, Pennsylvania.

The Church of Jesus Christ has headquarters in Monongahela, Pennsylvania and is a worldwide organization colloquially referred to as 'Bickertonites' or The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite). Its members generally do not favor these names^[1]^[2]. The colloquial name comes from church organizer William Bickerton (1815-1905). The official name is The Church of Jesus Christ^[2]^[3]^[4].

The Church of Jesus Christ is a Restorationist church and part of the Latter Day Saint movement. The Church is not officially affiliated with any other church, organization or denomination. Generally it is considered the third largest of the organizations emerging from the 1844 succession crisis, and the church has members in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa—for an approximate total of 15,000 worldwide.^{[citation needed]}

The Church of Jesus Christ claims to be the spiritual successor to the "Church of Christ," organized by Joseph Smith, Jr. on April 6, 1830. The Church of Jesus Christ claims that Sidney Rigdon was Joseph Smith's rightful successor in the 1844 succession crisis following the assassination of Smith because Rigdon was Smith's first counselor in the First Presidency^[5].

The Church of Jesus Christ's stated purpose is to share the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This includes all promises of Christ and His redeeming love to every Nation and every race of people upon the earth. With this mindset The Church of Jesus Christ has recently spread throughout many countries and is experiencing growth wherever it is established^[6].

Discussion

I copied and pasted from the current opening. McKay 16:35, 20 April 2007 (UTC) If anyone has any problems with the content contained there, please address it in the appropriate subheading.[reply]

Jcg5029 01:32, 28 April 2007 (UTC)repasted current intro[reply]

First Paragraph

Second Paragraph

Third Paragraph

McKay, I understand what you are saying but you are missing the point as to what I am saying. From 1830-1844 there is a common history of all Latter Day Saint churches. It is undeniable; it is where we base all our claims of succession on. From 1845 The Church of Jesus Christ becomes a seperate non-affiliated entity from that of Brigham Young's church. This is historically accurate and verifiable. I don't understand what you have against that statement.

Personally I like what I put, it made it clear that to the reader at what point the Rigdon disassociated himself from Brigham Young and at what point the historical affiliation ended. Please let me know why you labeled it POV and reverted it. Thanks JRN 16:42, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The previous version mixes tenses to a point of confusion: At point X in time, Church currently claims
Like it or not the church in disccuusion does, in fact, verifiably, have a historical affiliation with all other Latter Day Saint sects. Saying it doesn't is a POV. McKay 16:54, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I am not disputing a historical affiliation. I am saying that after the succession crisis the historical affiliation ends. So from 1830-1844 we shared a common history and then from 1845 we no longer have a shared history because of the succession. So we did have a historical affiliation till 1844 and then our affiliation ended. So we have 14 years of shared history. What is in question here McKay??? JRN 17:59, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

A historical affiliation can't end. Yes, you have a shared history, but since 1844, there hasn't been any legal or offical affiliation, but there will always be a historical affiliation. McKay 18:13, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It would be like GWBush saying "the united states would like to end our historical affiliation with great britian." McKay 18:24, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Sentance from Third Paragraph that McKay reverted away from

At this point in the succession crisis, The Church of Jesus Christ claims no more historical affiliation with any other Latter Day Saint denomination.

Its very true the historical affiliation continues. That would be like denying the pilgrims ever happened. But I think what is on there now represents The Church in a proper and neutral formatJcg5029 05:38, 26 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Fourth Paragraph

This paragraph attempts to begin an explanation of TCOJC's beliefs on Joseph Smith and his role in the Restoration. Would any have opposing views to this being a much more expanded and accurate description under beliefs??? If not I will make an attempt to change the paragraph and see how everyone feels. Jcg5029 15:00, 23 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Hmm, it appears as if this paragraph tries to summarise the biggest differences between your church and other (LDS) churches. If you feel that this can be done in a better way. I am in full support of such a change. —Preceding unsigned comment added by mckaysalisbury (talk • contribs)

So, we like having the fourth paragraph being a brief statement of belief. I think the best way would be to point out the differences between it and another, more popular faith, but feel free to suggest another option. McKay 22:06, 23 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I really like the current paragraph because it does not talk about what The Church of Jesus Christ isn't or doesn't. It gives a statement about what it is. Te gusta?Jcg5029 05:37, 26 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Intro structure

Hmm, as I look at this, the structure of these four paragraphs make for a great intro:

Name of organization.
Classification and general facts
Brief History
Brief Overview of beliefs.

I like this structure, and I think it makes for a great intro. comments on structure? McKay 16:06, 23 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I really like the structure as well as classified by McKay. It was no intention for the forth paragraph or the Joseph Smith section to simply oppose any other organization. I believe the current intro flows well with these four paragraphs and provides the proper information. It was my thought that the Joseph Smith paragraph is essential for the site, but maybe not for the intro. The site is really starting to look very nice.Jcg5029 21:03, 23 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

^ Lovalvo, V. James (1986). A Dissertation of the Faith and Doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ. Bridgewater, MI: The Church of Jesus Christ. pp. 33–38. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)
^ ^a ^b Valenti, Jerry (1986). "Volume 56". Welcome to The Church of Jesus Christ. Bridgewater, MI: Gospel News. p. 9. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)
^ Cite error: The named reference Cadman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ See also the reigstered corporate name in the Pennsylvania corporate registry.
^ McKiernan, M.F.: The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: Sidney Rigdon, Religious ReformerCoronado Press, 1979
^ Calabrese, Joseph (1973). The Divine Continuity of The Church of Jesus Christ. Bridgewater, MI: The Church of Jesus Christ. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)

[V._James_Lovalvo-1] Lovalvo, V. James (1986). A Dissertation of the Faith and Doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ. Bridgewater, MI: The Church of Jesus Christ. pp. 33–38. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)

[Jerry_Valenti-2] Valenti, Jerry (1986). "Volume 56". Welcome to The Church of Jesus Christ. Bridgewater, MI: Gospel News. p. 9. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)

[Cadman-3] Cite error: The named reference Cadman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[4] See also the reigstered corporate name in the Pennsylvania corporate registry.

[5] McKiernan, M.F.: The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: Sidney Rigdon, Religious ReformerCoronado Press, 1979

[Apostle_Calabrese-6] Calabrese, Joseph (1973). The Divine Continuity of The Church of Jesus Christ. Bridgewater, MI: The Church of Jesus Christ. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)

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