Apostle Lachlan Mackay of the Community of Christ reflected in a video on the sale of the Kirtland Temple and other historic sites to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In the video, he shares both his grief and hope for the future.
On March 5, 2024, both faiths released a joint statement about the transfer.
“This exchange of assets is significant for our church,” said Stephen M. Veazey, president of Community of Christ. “Through funding from increased endowments, Community of Christ will have greater capacity to pursue our mission priorities around the world, including continuing to fulfill the divinely envisioned purposes for our Temple in Independence, Missouri.”
“We are deeply honored to assume the stewardship of these sacred places, documents, and artifacts,” said Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We thank our friends at Community of Christ for their great care and cooperation in preserving these historical treasures thus far. We are committed to doing the same.”
While Latter-day Saints shared their excitement over the sale, members of the Community of Christ took to social media to share their feelings.
“This is very sad to me. I think these church historical sites benefit so much from having perspectives that reflect the diversity that has branched from the roots located there,” Celina Reese said.
Noelle Gaffka wrote, “As we continue looking forward as a church, please pause and consider those who are struggling deeply with this news and who are grieving. Please also remember that people are welcomed to mourn as much as they are invited to feel uplifted by the hope of our future. The hope of Zion is real, but there are moments that hurt to the core along the way as much as there is joy. May we hold on to each other and lift each other up.”
“As with any significant loss, we need time to process today’s news and our shock, dismay, anger, disbelief, hurt, sense of betrayal…all the things that come with grief,” wrote Kris Judd. “I can’t imagine what the leadership council has gone through in their own journey of grief – not only for the loss of the properties but also the anticipatory grief knowing how this news will impact beloved members and friends of Community of Christ. This decision was not made lightly, nor without consideration of the impact it would have upon people. I pray that those who are especially struggling will be compassionate with themselves as they move through this grief, and compassionate with those who had to make these very difficult decisions. We continue to become Community of Christ in the best way.”
To learn more about the sale, click here.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
