THE ARTICLES OF FAITH AND PRACTICE

1 We believe in God the Eternal Father, who only is Supreme; Creator of the universe; Ruler and Judge of all; unchangeable and without respect of persons.

2 We believe in Jesus Christ the manifestation of God in flesh, who lived, suffered, and died for all mankind; whom we own as our only Leader, Witness and Commander.

3 We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, which searcheth the deep things of God, brings to our minds things which are past, reveals things to come, and is the medium by which we receive the revelation of Jesus Christ.

4 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression, and that as a consequence of the atonement of Christ "all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all they that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, can not repent, and unto such, baptism availeth nothing." (Moroni 8:22)

5 We believe that through the atonement of Christ all men may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel; viz.: Faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ; Repentance and Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; Laying on of Hands for: (a) Ordination; (b) Blessing of Children; (c) Confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost; (d) Healing of the sick.

6 We believe in the literal second coming and millennial reign of Jesus Christ; in the resurrection of the Dead, and in Eternal Judgment; that men will be rewarded or punished according to the good or evil they may have done.

7 We believe in the powers and gifts of the everlasting Gospel; viz.: The word of wisdom; the word of knowledge; the gift of faith; the gift of healing; working of miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers kinds of tongues; interpretation of tongues.

8 We believe the fruits of the Spirit to be love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

9 We believe that in the Bible is contained the word of God; that the Record of the Nephites is an added witness for Christ, and that these contain the "fullness of the gospel."

10 We believe in the principle of continuous revelation; that the canon of scripture is not full, that God inspires men in every age and among all people, and that He speaks when, where, and through whom He may choose.

11 We believe that where there are six or more regularly baptized members, one of whom is an elder, there the Church exists with full power of church extension when acting in harmony with the law of God.

12 We believe that a man must be called of God by revelation, and ordained by those having authority, to enable him to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.

13 We believe in the same church organization as existed in the time of Christ and His apostles. The highest office in the church is that of an apostle, of whom there are twelve, who constitute special witnesses for Jesus Christ. They have the missionary supervision and the general watchcare of all of the churches.

14 The primary function of the general church, of which each local church is a component part, is missionary and the building up and extension of the kingdom of God in all the world.

15 We believe that local churches should govern their own affairs, and that general church officials should not dominate or interfere therewith. On invitation such general officers may, with propriety, give counsel and assistance. Local congregations are subject to the Articles of Faith and Practice and must be governed thereby.

16 We believe The Church of Christ comprehends the true brotherhood of man where each esteems his brother as himself and wherein the divine command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is demonstrated by the prevalence of social equality.

17 We believe that all men are stewards under God and answerable to Him not only for the distribution of accumulated wealth, but for the manner in which such wealth is secured. The primary purpose of stewardship is not the increase of church revenue or the mere contributions of money by those who have to those who have not, but to bring men to a realization of the common fatherhood and the universal brotherhood of man in all the affairs and experiences of life, and to maintain such social adjustments that each may enjoy the bounty and gifts of God, and be free to exercise his talents and ability to enrich the life of all.

18 We believe that men should labor for their own support and that of their dependents. Ministers of the gospel are not absolved from this responsibility, but when chosen or appointed by the church to devote their entire time to missionary work, their families are to be provided for out of the general church funds. The admonition of Christ that the ministry should not provide purse or scrip for their journey, but go trusting in God and the people, is applicable.

19 We believe that the temporal affairs of the general church are to be administered by the general bishopric under the supervision and direction of the general conferences of the church. The temporal affairs of the local churches shall be administered by local bishops under the supervision and direction of the local congregations.

20 We believe that marriage is ordained of God, and that the law of God provides for but one companion in wedlock for either man or woman. In case of a breach of this covenant the innocent one may remarry.

21 We are opposed to war. Men are not justified in taking up arms against their fellows except as a last resort in defense of their lives and to preserve their liberty.

22 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the ten lost tribes.

23 We believe a temple will be built in this generation, in Independence, Missouri, wherein Christ will reveal Himself and endow His servants whom he chooses with power to preach the gospel in all the world to every kindred, tongue, and people, that the promise of God to Israel may be fulfilled.

24 We believe that a New Jerusalem shall be built upon this land "unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph." (Ether 13:4-8, and III Nephi 10:17), which city shall be built, beginning at the Temple lot.

25 We believe that ministry and membership should abstain from the use of tobacco, intoxicating liquors and narcotics, and should not affiliate with any society which administers oaths or covenants in conflict with the law of God, or which interferes with their duties as freemen and citizens.