Article June 8, 1912 Issue

This paper is neither an advocate of nor an apologist for...

Albuquerque (N. M.) Journal

This paper is neither an advocate of nor an apologist for Christian Science, but we cannot refrain from protesting against any medical legislation in this state, the effect of which would be to prohibit Christian Science practice. Such protest is based, not on any sectarian or prejudiced grounds, but upon the broad principle of human rights. We believe in liberty of conscience and in the right of every man to his own religious opinions and convictions. As we understand it, the religion of a Christian Scientist teaches him to rely upon prayer to almighty God for the relief and cure of bodily ills. However much we may dissent from this view, there can be no doubt but that the citizen who conscientiously holds to this opinion is entitled to practise his belief, provided, always, that by so doing he does not endanger the well-being of his fellows. There is, upon this point, credible evidence to prove that the practice of Christian Science has not been a menace to the community. Christian Scientists declare that they report contagious diseases and submit to established sanitary and quarantine regulations, and in confirmation of this statement they point to a published interview not long ago with Dr. Ernest Lederle, health commissioner of New York city, who said he had no fault to find with Christian Scientists, because he knew they were reporting their contagious cases, just as the doctors were doing.

The Medical Society of New Mexico has introduced a bill in the Legislature which the Christian Scientists believe would prevent them from resorting to their peculiar mental or spiritual method of healing. Whether this interpretation of the bill is correct or not we do not undertake to say, but if there is any doubt as to the probable effect of the proposed law, that doubt should be removed by making the language of the bill perfectly plain. It must go without saying that any legislation which would make prayer for the sick a criminal offense would meet with the hearty disapprobation of all right-minded men and women, no matter what their personal, religious, or medical beliefs may be. The Christian Scientists have a right to fair play from the rest of us. There is no justice in an attack on their religion or upon their healing methods. The Legislature should make it clear that it is not in sympathy with such an attack, whether that attack is made with or without deliberate intent.

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