No, this collaboration can never happen. If it does, then all the antis will not be able to say the church is hiding things because they are a large evil megolithic institution bent on controlling all of the flow of information in the world. Working with other institutions outside of our control just can't happen.

There have been careful observational studies of people's parking lot behavior. When someone is waiting to get into a parking space, the person already in it takes a significantly longer time to vacate the spot than when no one is waiting. Let's stop giving them all that attention about the Kirtland Temple! It's theirs; let it be.

Your comment makes no sense whatsover.

I think it's wonderful that we are all working together. That's the way it should be.

Two opposing groups working closer together to bring obscure facts and history to light, what more can you ask for?

I find great comfort in the leaders of a church who understand and work with people as those who lead the Mormon Church do. How I wish members of the church could somehow learn to follow their example.

How dare anyone insinuate the the ownership of the Kirkland Temple site is similar to a scientific study of parking behavior.

I for one have nothing but kind feelings towards members of the Community of Christ church. While our beliefs and cultures have taken different paths over the last 150 years, I celebrate the unique and distinctive history we share.

I celebrate their ownership and stewardship of the Kirkland Temple and every other significant historical structure they own in Kirkland, Nauvoo and Independence. Every time I visit one of their sites I feel the same feeling of warmth and hospitality as I feel when I visit one of our own commemorative sites.

Similarly I celebrate the differences in our belief and accord them the same privileged I ask, that I be allowed to worship how, where and what I may.

To "This is Wonderful":

I agree w/ you 100% and have myself enjoyed visiting sites run by Community of Christ. But the word is:

K-I-R-T-L-A-N-D.

Kirkland is in Washington near Seattle.

Thanks for the correction Mona. Spelling has never been my strong suit!

I apologize to anyone offended by my earlier sarcasm.

I think this collaboration is wonderful. I am in favor of any scholarly work that advances our understanding of the events in early church history. I think one of the greatest aspects of this work will be the insight we get into how Joseph's understanding of doctrine grew as he learned line upon line and precept upon precept.

I look forward to each volume as the series is released.

When people work together great things happen.

Only, I'm holding out for the South Park version.

So the mainstream church is going to start sharing and cooperating with others that "share their origins" huh?
I suppose that is just for those who don't call them to the mat on their "to whom it may concern" "revelations".

HUH? Your point is?

The LDS church just recently destinguished itself from the "wayward" FLDS church.

Now they are going to collaborate their similarities with another "wayward" church.

I think that is a great idea. Instead of distinguishing the differences, they should distinguish their ancient ties.

Kurt,

Kirtland is who's?

The RLDS church (Community of Christ)?
or
The LDS church?

As a new LDS member not baptized until age 52, just starting to visit Church History sites, I was often impressed by friendly senior missionary hosts wearing black badges. In Nauvoo, after I thought I heard, "The Smith Home belongs to our LDS Church", but was greeted there by a single young man, I asked why his badge was green. "It's my State of Illinois employee badge. Nauvoo is a State Park. I am a University of Illinois History Major on summer vacation. This site is owned by the R(not "our")LDS Church, who doesn't send missionaries." Nevertheless, I was - and still am - grateful for those loving folks who continued to care for the tragically widowed Emma Smith in her once-joyful home, raising sons who stayed with her and whose descendents would perpetuate leadership of the RLDS Church, now called Community of Christ. I pray that the leaders of the two Churches may continue to cooperate in preserving the history of our common beginnings, even unto an eventual reuniing, long after that infamous 1844 interruption by a mob of assassins, whom, pray, God forgive ("....they know not what they do....")

How exciting that more information will be forthcoming regarding Joseph Smith. Not sure what all the hubbub is all about re any controversy. Guess some folks just have to have controversy in order to make things interesting.