Dear JWHA Friends,
As we wrap up the Spring season I wanted to say a word about our May event. Professors David Howlett and Nancy Ross gave an informative and provocative presentation on Women’s Ordination in the Community of Christ at the beautiful Stone Church in Independence, Missouri. Blending theoretical application with painstaking archival research, they accomplished what all great presentations do: They helped us see their subject in a new light, by helping us understand the consequential and long-lasting impact that this major doctrinal move had—and continues to have–in the Community of Christ.
I’m pleased to say their address was well attended and the audience asked probing questions. Afterward, we had a convivial gathering over food in the lobby where we met with old friends and made new ones. A hearty thanks to our Executive Director, Cheryle Grinter, for making this memorable event possible.
As we turn toward the Fall Conference, we hope you will mark your calendars, September 18 -21, and plan to join us in Independence as we meet at the historic Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, where participants will share their research on the timely issue of Religion and Politics and how that intersection has affected Restoration religions. We have two outstanding keynote speakers: newly ordained prophet/president Stassi Cramm from the Community of Christ and noted Latter-day Saint scholar Dr. Gregory Prince. We’ll also have Dr. John Turner with us, whose recently published biography Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet (Yale University Press, 2025) will be the subject of discussion with Drs. David Howlett and Steven Harper. The highlight of the conference will be a special hymn fest with President Cramm and three apostles from the Community of Christ.
Thank you for your support and thank you for your scholarship. We hope to see you at the Truman Presidential Library in September. Please register soon, to avoid late registration fees. There will be no on-site registration, advance registration is required!
Best wishes,
Matt Harris
