RLDS stands for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is a religious denomination that emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement in the 19th century. The RLDS is a branch of Mormonism that directly traces its roots to the early teachings of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the movement.
The RLDS, now known as the Community of Christ since 2001, was established in 1860 under the leadership of Joseph Smith III, the son of Joseph Smith Jr. After the death of his father, Joseph Smith III asserted his claim as the legitimate successor to his father's prophetic role within the church. The RLDS maintains a distinct identity from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which is the largest and most well-known branch of the Latter Day Saint movement.
The RLDS emphasizes principles of peace, justice, and community building. It places a strong emphasis on the reformation of society through collective action and social responsibility. While sharing core beliefs with other branches of Mormonism, the RLDS also embraces a more liberal approach in terms of scriptural interpretation and doctrinal evolution.
The RLDS places a great deal of significance on the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other religious texts from the Latter Day Saint tradition. It retains a belief in continuing revelation and the calling of modern-day prophets. The RLDS also emphasizes the importance of spiritual experiences and personal transformation.
Overall, the RLDS is a religious denomination within the broader Mormon movement that upholds distinctive beliefs and practices, focusing on community, justice, and spiritual growth.
