IYF AND SPECTACULAR

Since 1993 many things have changed, especially in photography technology, but one thing that hasn’t is Community of Christ in Australia assisting our youth to participate in international youth focused events.

The first International Youth Forum (IYF) was held at the Community of Christ temple (at the time the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), in Independence Missouri in 1993. The first of its kind, and Australia sent 44 youth and staff. IYF in the USA has often been partnered with Spectacular (SPEC) at Graceland University.

Since then, there have been IYFs in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2018 and after a 9 year gap, due to covid and budgetary concerns, there is more anticipated in 2027. There have also been Celebration events in Sydney 96’, Tahiti in 99’, Tiona in ‘07 and the Pilgrimage trip in 2024 to experience the temple and SPEC.

It is difficult to truly understand what it means to be part of an international faith organization, until presented with the opportunity to engage with others from all over the world and listen to how they engage with their discipleship and Community of Christ is different cultures and contexts.

Over the years the Australia church has helped over 250 youth attend such events and another one is coming up.