Article March 31, 1923 Issue

From the Directors

The Christian Science Board of Directors

The Manual of The Mother Church sets forth in detail the qualifications for membership in The Mother Church, and describes fully what is necessary to be done in filling out applications. In all cases except those which are specifically designated, the applicant, if a class-taught student, requires the signature of his teacher only, and it not a class-taught student, there must be the proper approval required by the By-laws.

The Directors, of themselves, have no means of knowing the eligibility of the applicant, and must therefore rely upon the assurance of the approver that the applicant is worthy of membership. In every case this approval should be based upon personal acquaintance or upon thorough investigation. The most important points to be ascertained are the applicant's previous religious affiliations or connections, how long he has been interested in Christian Science, and to what extent he is a student of the Bible and Science and Health. It is also helpful to know which of our Leader's writings he owns, and whether or not he is a reader of our periodicals.

If, after investigation, the approver or countersigner is convinced that the applicant has responded satisfactorily to the questions mentioned above, no statement of that fact is necessary when the application is sent to the Clerk of The Mother Church. On the other hand, if the applicant is found lacking in regard to either of the first two named qualifications, that is, previous church connections and length of time interested in Christian Science, full particulars relative thereto should accompany the application. In every case, if a previous application has ever been made, the fact should be stated, and the date given if possible. If not a member of any Christian Science organization, the reason should be stated briefly on a separate sheet.

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