FAQs
What is Christian Science Nursing?
Are Christian Science Nursing Facilities Relevant? In 1909, Mrs. Eddy wrote to the Christian Science Board of Directors and asked them to "vote on the adoption of the following by-law, and, if adopted, publish it in our periodicals and in the Church Manual". The proposed by-law read: "The Mother Church shall establish and maintain a Christian Science resort for the so-called sick". (Christian Science Sentinel, vol. 19, p. 110) Clearly, Mrs. Eddy felt that Christian Scientists required their own nursing facility. The fact that this request was in the form of a by-law suggests that it carried extra power. Each by-law, she writes, was "impelled by a power not one's own" in order to provide "a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause" (Church Manual 3:7) In obedience, the Directors passed the nursing facility by-law. However, they very shortly asked Mrs. Eddy whether they might postpone such a major undertaking and rescind the by-law. Mrs. Eddy replied that if the Church were not yet ready for this step, she was "willing to let this matter rest for the present". (Christian Science Sentinel, vol. 19, p110) |
