Freedom of choice is nowhere more apparent than in the democratic processes that underlie decisionmaking in branch Churches of Christ, Scientist. Each and every member of a Christian Science church is free to seek his own answers to important questions through prayer and communion with the source of all intelligence, God. The primary aim in the handling of church business, including the election of officers, is to take actions that will ultimately bless our church, bring blessing to our community, and, above all, forward Christian healing.
Faced with elections or business matters within a church business meeting, conscientious church members don't vote "yea" or "nay" just because someone else does. Instead, they endeavor to listen to what God is revealing to their own consciousness and then to follow His will as clearly as they can see. This eliminates personal influence and personal domination from decisions. The result of such voting is usually a decision that blesses everyone concerned.
But what do we do when the vote tally reveals a membership decision totally contrary to what we feel should have been the right way to vote? If we are sincere in our love of the spiritual idea of Church, we will gather up all our humility and, despite our own personal feelings, support the decision—no matter how close the actual vote. We can reaffirm God's love for and control of His Church; and we should rededicate our thought and energy to serving the church while we continue to pray for the inspiration that will open our eyes to see only God's law made manifest.
