The Community of Christ emphatically rejects the "Book of Abraham" (with its concept of multiple "gods"), together with all Mormon temple rituals (Baptism for the Dead, "Endowment" and Eternal Marriage). Its temple in Independence is open to the public (unlike Utah Mormon temples), dedicated to the fostering of world peace and "healing of the spirit." Though its outward organizational structure is similar to Utah Mormonism, it held until very recently to the concept that its prophet-president should be a direct lineal descendant of Joseph Smith. Unlike the LDS church, the Community of Christ ordains women to all of its "priesthood" offices. Women's ordination is traditionally opposed by the Orthodox Church.

Affirming the basic Mormon belief in an "open canon" of [[Holy Scripture]] (a concept rejected by the Orthodox Church), the Community of Christ accepts Joseph Smith's "Inspired Version" of the Bible, the ''Book of Mormon'', and its own edition of the ''Doctrine & Covenants''-- but not the ''Pearl of Great Price''. Substantial controversy emerged in the 1960's and 70's as major leaders of the Community of Christ were accused of not truly believing in the ''Book of Mormon,'' and in general seeking to liberalize their faith. This ultimately led to a split in their organization in 1984, with its decision to ordain women. The mainline Community of Christ church has emerged in the early twenty-first century as a comparatively liberal version of Joseph Smith's spurious cult.

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