A need to reprint the bylaws prompted one branch church to review its rules and regulations. The result—a greater understanding of branch church democracy.
The review committee saw bylaws both as the practical application of democratic ideals and as a catalyst for spiritual thinking.
Five members studied specific references in Mrs. Eddy's writings, including the Church Manual, and also several authoritative works on democratic government. Two citations by Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health defined what was seen as the bylaws' purpose: "Reflecting God's government, man is self-governed" Science and Health, p. 125; and "Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love." ibid., p. 106.
