The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)

The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite), also known as The Church of Jesus Christ, is a denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement that originated in 1862. It is one of several groups that emerged following the succession crisis within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after the death of Joseph Smith Jr. in 1844.

History and Origins:

William Bickerton, a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, established the church. Bickerton had been associated with Sidney Rigdon's splinter group for a short time before forming his own organization. He claimed to receive revelations calling him to reorganize the church. The Bickertonite church emphasizes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants (primarily the early sections predating significant alterations under Brigham Young's leadership) as scripture, but it does not adhere to the Pearl of Great Price.

Beliefs and Practices:

The church's doctrines largely align with early Latter Day Saint theology as practiced during Joseph Smith Jr.'s lifetime. Key beliefs include:

• Belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as distinct personages in the Godhead.
• The necessity of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.
• The importance of the gift of the Holy Ghost, conferred by the laying on of hands.
• The literal gathering of Israel and restoration of the ten tribes.
• The restoration of the ancient church and its gifts through Joseph Smith Jr.
• The importance of living a moral and righteous life.

Unlike the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the Bickertonite church rejects plural marriage and the concept of eternal progression as taught by Brigham Young. They also have a more decentralized organizational structure.

Organization and Structure:

The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) is governed by a General Conference, which is its highest governing body. The church is led by a president and his counselors, along with other officers and quorums. Local congregations are organized into branches or districts.

Current Status:

The church is headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, and maintains a presence in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Italy. Its membership is significantly smaller than that of the LDS Church or the Community of Christ.