Article January 3, 1942 ISSUE

In your recent issue it is pointed...

Sherwood Kretsinger

Oregon Statesman

[Sherwood Kretsinger, Committee on Publication for the State of Oregon, in the Oregon Statesman, Salem]

In your recent issue it is pointed out that the list of "conscientious objectors" includes seven from among Christian Scientists. I respectfully ask space in your columns so that there may be no misunderstanding by your readers of our loyalty to and support of our government.

The Christian Science Board of Directors, in one of our recent publications, stated (Christian Science Sentinel, January 4, 1941): "It should be said that a Christian Scientist could not claim exemption as a conscientious objector without misrepresenting Christian Science, for in the Church Tenets or platform of the Christian Science church no specific reference is made to participation in war or to training therefor. On the other hand, Mrs. Eddy says on page 277 of 'The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany,' 'But if our nation's rights or honor were seized, every citizen would be a soldier and woman would be armed with power girt for the hour.' "

In addition to the above statement the Directors also say (Sentinel, June 21, 1941): "In definitely announcing our position in support of the democratic system of government and the preservation of human rights, we are moved not by a desire to voice our own views, but to let the world know that we share with our Leader [Mrs. Eddy] her confidence in the immortality of the sentiment expressed in the Declaration of Independence that 'man is endowed by his Maker with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 161). It is our conviction, as it was hers, that if these social and political advantages are to be preserved, democratic forms of government must be maintained. The preservation and incorporation of these fundamental elements of true democracy in the basic law of every nation is a cause to which all Christians are morally committed, and which we as Christian Scientists are determined to defend."

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