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Reform Mormonism
Reform Mormonism is a branch of Mormonism that was founded in 2002 by former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). (Commonly called "The Mormon Church," the Utah-based LDS Church is the largest denomination which emerged from Latter Day Saint movement begun by Joseph Smith in the late 1820's.)
Like Judaism, Reform Mormonism is not a church, but a home-based religion with unique liturgy, traditions, and holidays.
Reform Mormonism is currently a small movement, with rituals that can be observed within the home. Just as Judaism has survived since the fall of the last Jewish Temple in 70 AD primarily through the observance of the Jewish Sabbath and other holidays within Jewish homes, so Reform Mormons believe such observances can sustain and preserve their religion. At this early stage of its development, Reform Mormonism is solely observed within the homes of Reform Mormons.
Reform Mormonism has received favorable attention from Mormon organizations such as The Mormon Historical Association and Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons (a national organization ministering to gay and lesbian Mormons and their families). Reform Mormons believe that increasing numbers of individuals within the LDS Church are intrigued by Reform Mormonism's objective approach to Mormon history (often a volatile subject with Mormons of all denominations) and its open-armed acceptance of mid-19th century Mormonism's positive view of human nature. Most Reform Mormons come from the LDS Church and other Latter Day Saint movement churches, while a few supporters come from outside that tradition. Some Reform Mormons remain members of other churches.
Ceremonies and Practices[edit]
The Reform Mormon Sacrament (the Lord's Supper, Communion) is not a public ceremony, but part of the main family meal on the Sabbath. As in Judaism, candles may be lit at the beginning of the Reform Mormon Sabbath. (There are four candles — each standing for the four foundational principles of Reform Mormonism: Faith, Knowledge, Revelation and Restoration.) At the commencement of the Sabbath meal, bread is broken, blessed and eaten by everyone at the table. Then wine is poured, blessed and drunk by everyone at the table. The meal then continues. Thus what has in Christianity been called "The Lord's Supper" with Reform Mormonism actually is a supper. Since family and home have always been central to Mormonism, with Reform Mormonism the family dinner table — not a church meeting house or chapel — is the center of liturgical life.
Other ordinances include such things as the giving of blessings, naming children, liturgy for funerals and other major events in one's life. Reform Mormon Temple ordinances have also been developed including a Reform Mormon Endowment ceremony, Washing and Anointing rituals and a Reform Mormon Sealing Ceremony (marriage ceremony — which would be open to both heterosexual and same-sex Reform Mormon couples).
History[edit]
Mike Richan coined the phrase Reform Mormonism and began the movement around 2000 in Seattle, Washington, where it is registered as a non-profit religious organization. Having been raised LDS, having served a mission as a young man, he had since left the LDS Church. Ten years after leaving, realizing that he still had strong connections to his Mormon upbringing and his Mormon culture, he began reading works by the scholars known as the New Mormon Historians — historically objective, non-apologetic works. Reconnecting with his Mormon roots and history, Richan began writing his own book, Reform Mormonism.
In 2002, he launched the Reform Mormonism website. In January 2003, R. Frederick Lauer began writing essays for that website. In August of 2004, Lauer began writing weekly Sunday school style lessons for the Reform Mormon Gospel Doctrine Class website. The various Reform Mormon websites and word of mouth have been the central means of spreading word regarding the movement.
In 2004, several of those who have committed to Reform Mormonism as their personal faith, began working on actual liturgy for ordinances that can be used by Reform Mormons, including Temple ordinances. Until the time a Reform Mormon temple may be built, Reform Mormons say these Temple ordinances would be administered in spaces that are temporarily dedicated for that purpose. (The practice of administering Temple ordinances outside a Temple in this fashion, dates in Mormonism back to the Nauvoo, Illinois and early Utah periods.)
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
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