In the Glossary of the textbook, Science and Health, our beloved Leader defines "Church." She writes of the spiritual concept as follows (p. 583): "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."
After this absolute statement, she continues with a description of "Church" in its institutional aspects: "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."
The Church of Christ, Scientist, is the visible proof of divinity embracing humanity. The absolute or divine meaning of Church elucidates the character of the institution. Our membership in this institution is the outward and visible sign of our recognition of our invisible link with divine Principle, God.
