While Mormonism is unique, it has several commonalities with other ethnic-based religions. For these tight-knit groups, expectations of sexual purity and controlling marriage serve as barriers to the outside world, perpetuating the ethnic-based religion. While the Community of Christ may share much of the same canon and early history with LDS Mormonism, there are important divergences regarding homosexuality. exploring commonalities and differences is useful for saints from both churches who are seeking understanding, healing, and reconciliation. in examining conceptions of Zion, I hope to contribute to individual and collective actions that are true to our common Restoration heritage and understandings of human worth.

Seath L. Bryant