Amidst the changing conditions in this age, with unfamiliar goals being sought by untrod paths, the Christian Scientist is assured of the stability of the democratic form of government in his church organization. In some instances civil governments are changing form; while the spirit as well as the letter of democracy appears to be at low ebb, with little apparent concern in the thought of some over its decline.
According to Christian Science true government is not subject to the ebb and flow of human opinions. True government is spiritual, based upon divine Principle. It is symbolized in the government of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, with its branches throughout the world. This world-wide organization is governed by the unchangeable By-Laws of the Church Manual, written by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, and the author of its textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The Manual of The Mother Church is accepted by Christian Scientists throughout the world as the governing law in the Christian Science movement.
Nowhere can there be formed a branch church which does not subscribe to the requirements of the Manual concerning organization and the type of services to be conducted. Never will there be a branch church which does not subscribe to the requirements of the Manual in these and all other respects. The right to be called a branch of The Mother Church is not inherent in a group of Christian Scientists who may be holding services, but is conferred by The Mother Church when such a group, desirous of being recognized as a branch church or society, fully complies with the Manual requirements.
