In our final conversation with Dan and Ann Hatch of Christ’s Church, we’ll get into whether they accept black Church members. Do they ordain blacks? (Many fundamentalists reject the 1978 revelation on priesthood from Spencer W Kimball in the mainstream LDS Church.) We’ll also discuss why outsiders can’t attend priesthood meetings, solemn assemblies, and other topics.
Don’t miss our other conversations with Ann & Dan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/ann-hatch/
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Gospel Tangents
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Unique Insights from Temple President Dan and Matron Ann Hatch
Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Dan and Ann Hatch, the Temple President and Matron for Christ’s Church Temple, to delve into the distinctive beliefs and practices of their church. While sharing some common roots, Christ Church operates with several notable differences that offer a fascinating look into their unique path.
Here are some key insights from our conversation:
A Stricter Word of Wisdom
One of the most immediate distinctions discussed was Christ Church’s stricter interpretation of the Word of Wisdom compared to the LDS Church. While they adhere to the same principles found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, their understanding goes further. Members are expected to abstain from cocoa-containing products (chocolate) and swine flesh (pork). This specific interpretation of avoiding chocolate was formally established in 1992, following a direct inquiry in a Q&A session with the Prophet, who received a revelation on the spot confirming the prohibition.
This means no chocolate bars, no chocolate ice cream, and no bacon. Herbal teas are permissible, unlike coffee and Postum. Even cold caffeinated drinks like Coke and Pepsi are not preferred, with caffeine generally interpreted as part of the “hot drinks” prohibition. The change had a significant impact on members, with one anecdotal story highlighting a mother’s decision to wait until after Christmas to be baptized so she could enjoy one last chocolate orange.
Expanded Articles of Faith and Inspired Hymns
Christ Church has its own set of 22 Articles of Faith, which are an expanded and customized version, having gone through three revisions via revelation. These articles are more detailed and align with their Temple recommend questions, of which there are 24 or 25.
Notably, their first Article of Faith states: “We believe in God the Eternal Father the literal father of both our body and our spirit who as Michael Adam created this world on our behalf we believe Jesus Christ The Offspring of God the Father and Mary who lived without committing sin and willingly provided atonement for the sins of the world in the Garden of Gethsemane finally giving his life up upon the cross we believe in the Holy Ghost the third member of the godhead the witness and testator who lived upon the Earth at the head of this this dispensation”. The reference to “the head of this dispensation” refers to Joseph Smith.
In addition to customized Articles of Faith, Christ’s Church boasts a unique collection of over 230 inspired songs. Their own composer, Gloria, began writing music and songs around 1975-1976 under the direction of Rulon, a former leader. These songs are considered “totally in the spirit and completely 100% inspired”. Originally called “Paquin hymns,” they are now known as “Songs of Zion” and are in the process of being published in a hardbound hymnal. While they have their own hymns, they also use the LDS hymnal and occasionally sing songs from the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) hymnal. There’s also hope to incorporate some of Eliza R. Snow’s poems and songs into their new book.
Distinct Temple and Meeting Practices
When it comes to temple attendance and church gatherings, Christ Church has specific requirements:
- Temple Recommends: Temple recommends for Christ Church Temple expire every six months.
- Solemn Assemblies: These gatherings are distinct from General Conferences, requiring a higher standard of worthiness to attend. While general conferences might be open to non-members or those not living a certain standard, solemn assemblies require a “solemn assembly recommend” and are only open to members and serious investigators who are actively progressing towards baptism. Non-members have been permitted at General Meetings in the past, but not Solemn Assemblies.
- Priesthood Meetings: Unlike some other branches of Mormonism, Christ Church does not allow non-members to attend priesthood meetings. This is primarily because discussions often involve sensitive “sacred things” or “our business” that are not intended for outside ears, especially given past instances where non-members shared private discussions externally. In contrast, non-members are invited and welcome to attend Relief Society meetings. During priesthood meetings, particularly on Temple weekends, quorums, including the Quorum of the Twelve, meet to discuss reports, missionary efforts, and ways to help members globally.
Priesthood, Patriarchs, and Inclusivity
- Patriarchs: In Christ Church, Patriarchs play a significant role beyond giving patriarchal blessings. They are typically heads of families and have the authority to perform ordinances of repentance and forgiveness, which can include directing an individual to be re-baptized. Notably, families of Patriarchs do not always need a temple recommend from the temple president. Christ’s Church believes in having seven Patriarchs, which is distinct from the Council of Friends structure in the AUB, though members can hold positions in both the Quorum of the Twelve and as a Patriarch.
- Aaronic Priesthood: While typically associated with youth, adults can also hold positions in the Aaronic Priesthood if they haven’t advanced to the Melchizedek Priesthood. Children can be ordained to the office of Deacon as young as eight, with others advancing to Teacher by ten and Priest by 12 or 13-14, though ordination is based on a father’s recommendation, not an automatic process.
Ordain Blacks?
- Black Members: Christ Church affirms that black members can be baptized and can attend the temple to perform baptisms for the dead. Ordination to the priesthood is not automatic but is by revelation and not based on a person’s race or color. Some men, regardless of race, may remain in the Aaronic priesthood for years before being ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood, as this advancement is also determined by revelation. The church does not consider race a “pillar” of their religion; revelation is their guiding principle.
- Polygamy: While polygamy is acknowledged as a “tenet” of their religion, it is not considered a pillar that members must live. Members have the agency to choose not to live polygamy and can still maintain full membership and access to temple ordinances.
- Continuous Revelation: This is emphasized as the foremost pillar that guides and directs Christ’s Church.
What are your thoughts about Christ’s Church?
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Gospel Tangents
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