Watch a recording here of a conversation with the Christian Science Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of The Christian Science Publishing Society about the initiatives mentioned in this announcement.
In many ways, our Church’s periodicals represent a covenant between Christian Scientists of today and the discovery found in the textbook of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy’s Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Through the pages of these magazines, we are recording our collective demonstration of the power of God’s Word as found in the Bible and our textbook.
In her Manual of The Mother Church, Mrs. Eddy’s divinely inspired By-Laws give clear direction about the Church periodicals, including this: “It shall be the privilege and duty of every member, who can afford it, to subscribe for the periodicals which are the organs of this Church; and it shall be the duty of the Directors to see that these periodicals are ably edited and kept abreast of the times” (p. 44).
These “organs of this Church” enable and foster a rich sense of community with readers living across the globe. They connect us in our shared demonstration of Christ’s precious Science. They address the needs of today with relevant, healing content.
In the next few months you’ll notice changes to these periodicals designed to strengthen and broaden these qualities of relevance and connection between readers, writers, church members, and subscribers. Taken together, these changes represent a significant step forward in our collective efforts as a Church community. They include:
Subscribing: An effort has been underway for many years to improve the experience of subscribing to the periodicals, including the ability to use one username and password for all Christian Science Publishing Society subscriptions. That functionality is expected soon.
Reading: Content will be prepared more closely to the date of an issue, allowing editors to choose content that is most relevant to the practice of Christian Science in addressing current world thought. Newly designed sections of the Christian Science Sentinel and Journal websites will allow readers to explore this prayerfully chosen content in fresh ways.
Print delivery timing: In the past, print magazines typically arrived much earlier than the issue date, but much later than when they were prepared. We want readers to have access to healing content as soon as the issue is ready. Beginning in late 2025, there will be a period of transition when there may be some disruption in delivery timing, but the new norm will be that print issues arrive much closer to the date printed on the cover.
Contributing: “Writer’s Corner,” a guide on JSH-Online.com, provides educational resources to support and encourage Christian Scientists in contemplating metaphysically what it means to write for the periodicals. Repeatedly we hear from authors that even the process of writing and submitting an article or testimony draft supported their spiritual growth, and we’ve all been blessed by the generous contributions of others. If you haven’t seen the new section, please visit jsh.christianscience.com/submit.
Church demonstrations and information: These periodicals should be the first place members and subscribers can visit to find out what’s going on with The Mother Church and its worldwide branches and societies. In these pages, we’ll amplify churches’ victories and demonstrations to reach readers and listeners all over the globe within days or weeks of the event. What’s more, if a branch church has wrestled with an issue and found resolution, their sharing of that demonstration can in real time inspire a church facing the same situation.
Bible content and Bible study: To further readers’ Bible study through our periodicals, we’re introducing a new monthly series in the Journal titled “The Bible: Our Sufficient Guide.” This series will focus on a specific Bible passage, concept, or theme and bring out a spiritual perspective on the Scriptures based on Mrs. Eddy’s teachings that strengthens Christian Science practice.
The intent of these changes is to rejuvenate, deepen, and broaden our individual practice of Christian Science and to foster a deeper sense of connection with The Mother Church. We are sincerely grateful to you for subscribing, reading, and contributing to these periodicals. Thank you.
With warm appreciation,
The Christian Science Publishing Society Board of Trustees
