Since the beginning of the Church of Christ, Scientist, many Christian Scientists have thoughtfully pondered the distinction between the activities of this Church and activities organized outside the auspices of church, by and for Christian Scientists. Often members write to The Mother Church asking if they should support or participate in such activities. Because of this, we are reissuing a statement which appeared in the November 1976 issue of The Christian Science Journal.
The Christian Science Board of Directors recognizes that some organized educational, recreational, cultural, and social activities carried on by and for Christian Scientists are filling useful needs. The Church does not become officially involved in such activities, nor can these secular organizations, established by and for Christian Scientists, perform the role of our Church.
For instance, they are not a forum for presenting the teachings of Christian Science through talks and discussion groups. And because the Church has no official connection with these enterprises, church channels, like Reading Room and Sunday School, should not be used to gather information for, or disseminate information about, their activities.
