Supreme Directional Control

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Supreme Directional Control was a controversial concept of theocratic democracy developed in the 1920s in the Community of Christ in support of President Frederick Madison Smith's assertion of ecclesiastical authority over management and policy-making of the church, especially in the periods between World Conferences. The conflict pitted Smith against several members of the Council of Twelve and other priesthood quorums in the church. While it was widely acknowledged that the World Conference was the highest legislative body of the church, questions arose over Smith's assertion of authority to set policy. Advocates of supreme directional control believed changing conditions may at times require the prophet-president of the church to make decisions contrary to prior positions adopted by a World Conference resolution. Opponents of the principle felt that the Council of Twelve should legislate policy between conferences as needed.

The controversy resulted in the departure of nearly one-third of the leadership and membership from the church, although many returned after the intensity of the controversy settled. The concept is no longer advanced by the members of the Community of Christ First Presidency, however, it has not been formally abandoned.

Supreme Directional Control is also a controversial issue within the current Restoration Branches movement.