US / Community of Christ Mormon Offshoot Moves Toward Gay Marriage Missouri's Community of Christ also recommends ordination of gay people By John Johnson, Newser Staff Suggested by GeorgeL Posted Apr 23, 2013 2:32 PM CDT Copied In this July 20, 2012, photo, Carol Anastosio and Mimi Brown, who were among the first couple to wed under New York's gay marriage law, hold hands showing wedding bands made by a friend. (AP Photo/ Fay Abuelgasim, File) Another church is poised to change its thinking on gay marriage, this one with Mormon roots. Delegates from the Community of Christ have recommended allowing same-sex marriages in states where they are legal and providing "commitment services" in states where they are not, reports the Kansas City Star. Delegates also backed the ordination of gay people. Both moves need final approval from the church's hierarchy. The church is based in Missouri and has about 250,000 members worldwide, reports Fox4kc.com. It has its roots in the movement started by Joseph Smith Jr., though its membership is dwarfed by that of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which boasts about 14 million followers. (More Community of Christ stories.) Report an error