Article October 29, 1910 Issue

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT

JUDGE CLIFFORD P. SMITH.

THE by-law of The Mother Church which provides that "each branch church shall be distinctly democratic in its government" (Art. XXIII., Sect. 10), refers to the word "democracy" as used in civil government. In modern use this word means "a representative government where there is equality of rights without hereditary or arbitrary differences in rank or privilege" (Webster's New International Dictionary; Cvford English Dictionary). The by-law therefore adopts this manner of government for the branch churches—"distinctly" this. Our Leader has set it forth in these phrases: "Equal rights and privileges, equality of the sexes, rotation in office" (The Christian Science Journal, June, 1904).

In the first place, then, democracy in church government puts all members upon an equality. Old members and new members are on a par. Children, even, unless the state law declares otherwise, after admission to membership have the same voice and vote as adults. Teachers have no greater rights than other members, and they have no right to direct or control their pupils. The basis of democracy is the equality of all men before God.

It is of course true in human experience that one individual may speak, vote, or act more wisely than another. From this premise it might be argued that the better qualified members of a church, or the best qualified member, should be allowed to direct its affairs. In the election of officers qualifications ought indeed to be considered; but any person truly, eligible to membership in a church is worthy to be a voter at its business meetings and elections, and he has an equal right to have his qualifications considered for the offices to be filled. Moreover, popular government develops the capacity of all members to participate in the governing, and it is often found that newly chosen officers exhibit surprising fitness for their work. The strength of a church is in the mental and spiritual growth of its members, and our Leader says: "Growth is restricted by forcing humanity out of the proper channels for development, or by holding it in fetters" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 359).

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
TRUE DEMOCRACY
October 29, 1910
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit