Over the years, many students of Christian Science in Africa and some other countries have been able to attend class and association through assistance from The Mother Church. With an eye toward removing a pattern of dependency and encouraging individual demonstration in connection with these important annual activities, new guidelines have been adopted. What follows are some thoughts Coral Van Der Burgt shared with members of her association who have received sponsorship from The Mother Church. They have been adapted for the Journal’s wider audience.
In 2010, new guidelines for financial sponsorship were implemented by the Christian Science Board of Education that will reduce and eventually phase out the funds available for association attendees. Therefore, it becomes a “grand necessity” for association members to make this financial demonstration for their own spiritual growth, and to support the continuance of their associations.
In thinking about this change, it’s important not to see it as just another way The Mother Church is tightening its belt. Neither must it be thought of as a limitation or a restriction for the student. Rather, it should be seen as an act of pure love and of the deepest commitment by The Mother Church to all prospective and class-taught students in these areas. It is a loud and a clear call to awaken for individual growth out of financial dependence on materialism.
