Catherine "Cassie" Kelley (1853-1944)

Photo courtesy of Community of Christ Archives

Charles Neff was not afraid to think radically about the church's mission in an imperfect world. Serving as an apostle from 1958 to 1984, Charles not only broadened the church's membership but also its outlook on the world. Starting congregations in the Philippines, Kenya, India, and other locations, Neff tirelessly challenged the church to develop a theology and mission that would embrace new cultures. His intense concern for the world's poor led him to create Outreach International, an organization devoted to developing long-term solutions for poverty. Neff's unwavering belief in the worth of all persons and the importance of community helped ground the church as it continued to expand internationally.