Independent and United

The Christian Community consists of independent congregations incorporated as nonprofit (charitable) organizations. The priests in each congregation have responsibility for what should take place sacramentally in their community. Priests’ teaching arises from their priestly experience and insights and is not required to conform to any dogmatic structure.

In social and financial realms, priests and lay people work together to form a board of trustees and initiative groups. The community does not choose (elect) priests; they are appointed by the leadership of The Christian Community. Priests are financially supported, not according to performance, age, seniority or educational background, but according to the resources of the congregation and the needs of the priest and his or her family. The vocation of priest is full time. Congregations in a geographic area are joined in a “region”. The region is also a nonprofit body. There are several levels of responsibility within the circle of priests to enable helpful cooperation and oversight:

• Priests in the congregations
• Regional coordinators, whom are priests, for the guidance of the work in the regions
• Central coordinators (also priests) for the guidance of The Christian Community worldwide (the headquarters is in Berlin, Germany)

In addition to the United States and Canada, congregations exist in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Estonia, Georgia, Germany (where two seminaries are also located), Great Britain, Ireland, Hungary, Japan, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Christian Community International website provides links and information about all the regions and congregations worldwide.