Mary Baker Eddy, in one concise sentence, summarized the purpose of her lifework: "—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 207). With that standard ever before her, our Leader, often alone with God, ushered the Science of being into the twentieth century.
As stewards of its entry into the twenty-first century, it becomes our privilege to help the public obtain a more accurate understanding of Christian Science, Christian Scientists, and the Christian Science Church. To enable church members to apprehend better the demands of these times, the Journal will in future months provide special coverage of the challenges and opportunities to be met in carrying forward the spirit of Mrs. Eddy's life-purpose. That coverage will focus on preserving and enhancing the rights of individuals to practice spiritual healing. Reports in the Journal will include not only new occasions where the Church is meeting the ignorance and intolerance that challenge the practice of Christian Science, but also where society is reaching out for free choice and free exercise in medicine and religion.
