The moral and spiritual responsibilities of an officer in a Church of Christ, Scientist, are clearly implied in the teachings of Christian Science. These teachings include the worship of one God, the only Mind, who is Truth, Love, Principle.
To be spiritually qualified for church office, one must devote himself to being truthful in all his thoughts and ways. He must love unselfishly, striving to have only the love that reflects divine Love. And the thoughts and attitudes and plans that form in his consciousness must have their origin in divine Principle. In the degree that he does this, he is qualified to represent "Church" in its spiritual sense, which Mrs. Eddy defines in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health (p. 583), as, "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."
The moral demands upon one who accepts an office in a Church of Christ, Scientist, are equally clear. There is a standard of conduct which identifies Christian Science, and if the identity of Christian Science as a religion is to be maintained, this standard must be upheld by church members. The behavior of church officers in upholding this standard should be exemplary. This standard includes the use of spiritual means alone for healing, freedom from false appetites, and the upholding of moral responsibilities.
