Why should Christian Scientists belong to The Mother Church and to a branch church?
To answer that question it is necessary to understand what Mary Baker Eddy had in mind in founding her Church. The providing of two churches for Christian Scientists to belong to and work in was unique, and this arrangement has no parallel in other church organizations.
The interests of Christian Scientists are not merely for their local field; their interests reach out and include all mankind. Therefore, the Church must provide for particular needs as well as universal needs, and Mrs. Eddy proved that this could best be accomplished by providing for a Mother Church and branch churches—The Mother Church to protect, guide, and provide for the needs of the Field universally, while the branch churches provide for and advance the Cause in the local communities. Both the universal and the particular activities are required for the full play of the activities of each church member. Mrs. Eddy demonstrated that this was the most intelligent and wise manner in which the Church could function. The Apostle Paul declared, "There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
