The following letters are a small but representative portion of the correspondence that has arrived here recently regarding The Monitor Channel and other broadcasting activities of The Christian Science Publishing Society. Many of the letters are from church members. Much correspondence, however, has also been received from the general public. In the early days of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy received thousands of letters from Christian Scientists and from the public at large. With so little time for correspondence, she asked church members who wrote to her to send their letters "to the editors of The Christian Science Journal for publication, and thereby give to us all the pleasure of hearing from you" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 155).
In the spirit of her comment, the Editors are providing a regular "letters" column. We invite your contributions on a broad array of subjects. It is clear to us that, just as in Mrs. Eddy's day Journal readers often have valuable thoughts to express, insights to share, views that deserve consideration by the entire family of readers.
We realize that individual perspectives may not always coincide, but we feel it's vital to pray through these issues together.
We'd love to have you share your thoughts in this column. Obviously, because of available space, not every letter will be published, and some may need to be edited for length. Also, we know you'll understand that we can't answer each letter personally.
We look forward to hearing from you. Letters should be addressed to:
Letters to the Editor
Journal, Sentinel, and Herald Editorial Department, P-602
One Norway Street
Boston, MA, U.S.A. 02115 Letters should include the writer's full name, address, and telephone number.
As has been the case with every "product" of the Church Center, The Monitor Channel represented integrity, professionalism, and the ability "to bless all mankind." We would like to congratulate and thank each one involved in its production. They have done a superb job.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
In light of the recent events affecting The Monitor Channel, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sentiments about the organization. Having spent twelve years in the broadcast field, I can honestly say that, taken as a whole, my association with The Christian Science Monitor has been the best professional experience of my life. The quality of journalism and the altruistic mission of the Church is something of which I am proud to have been a part. My experience with Monitor Reports alone will forever set the standard for which I will compare future professional endeavors whether in the broadcast field or otherwise.
Boston, MA
Mostly, I am sad for what could have been—what should have been. But after some reflection, I've come to the conclusion that should The Monitor Channel come to an end, we've all been extremely blessed for being part of something that has enriched and touched so many lives—and for that alone, we have not lost. It is proof positive that just a few people with a vision can make an incredible impact. Thank you for sharing your vision. It is a gift.
Boston, MA
We don't need a church channel. Instead spend the money buying time on local stations for broadcasting Christian Science. It's a grass-roots effort, and that would give hope and help to the millions who have never heard of Christian Science. Watching quality TV programs is not what we need. PBS provides that. We need to be sending out a message of truth and hope and lead them thereby to the textbook and the Church.
Manhattan Beach, CA
I wish I could say something brilliant and comforting. At the moment all I can come up with is great love and appreciation for your courage and fidelity. We live in a rural area where we all depend on satellites for television, so we have had the happy privilege of being Monitor Channel viewers from Day One. It is a great positive contribution to mankind and completely consistent with the activity of church established by Mrs. Eddy.
Mountain Center, CA
The activities of all those involved in expanding our outreach "To live for all mankind" make me humbly proud to call myself a Christian Scientist.
Mountain Center, CA
We feel our Leader [Mrs. Eddy] would have seen the tremendous potential for good that television holds. We as Christian Scientists have a wonderful opportunity to support quality TV instead of complaining about the lack of substance now predominantly shown. We feel the Board of Directors were most courageous in authorizing expansion and funding into this field.
Noank, CT
Last night I had the opportunity to read the memoranda sent out to all the employees of The Christian Science Publishing Society in response to recent newspaper articles involving The Mother Church. Although thousands of miles removed from the scene of events geographically, my heart beats in sweet concord with yours.... I strongly believe in what you are doing and I strongly support your work. As tangible proof of my sincere gratitude, I have been increasing my contributions to The Mother Church's General Fund significantly, and prayerful support has reached a new depth. I so love what you are doing. The hallmark of excellence is on every product the Publishing Society is sending out into the Field and into the world at large.
Olympia, WA
You will recall the excellent series of broadcasts "How Christian Science Heals" given in the '50s and '60s. I myself would prefer to see short programmes on TV consisting of healing experiences of this kind, given, if possible, by the individuals themselves, rather than just more political news, however fair and unbiased this may be. And if we can't afford TV at all at present, I am sure that Christian Science will still survive!
London, England
I would like you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with the Christian Science Church at this most crucial time. I read the Monitor on occasion, but I begin every morning with monitor radio and end many workdays with the afternoon broadcast. It is my hope that the Church will be able to continue its "media mission" to the fullest extent possible. Please know you have friends—even among those of us who are not adherents!
Falls Church, VA
