Article April 26, 1919 ISSUE

I have read with interest your editorial and appreciate...

Ernest C. Moses

Evanston (Ill.) News-Index

I have read with interest your editorial and appreciate the earnest desire to uphold the civil law, as well as your recognition of the action taken by First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Evanston in going into court to resist the order of city officials in closing their church. It was, as you state, not an "endeavor to disregard a law of the city, but rather to test the legality of the restriction laid upon public gatherings by the health authorities."

Christian Scientists are taught to uphold righteous government, and not hesitate to expose the misuse of governmental power. In this case it seemed clear indeed that in the closing of churches in time of epidemic while leaving other public places open, the health commissioner was exercising legislative power. I understand that the law is well settled in Illinois as in other states, that the legislative power cannot be delegated to individuals. Christian Scientists would join in your statement that "obedience to properly established authority is not incompatible with the exercise of their devotions," but cannot accept an assumption of legality as authoritative when it conflicts with constitutional and natural rights.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
I have read the editorial reference to Christian Science...
April 26, 1919
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit