Extracts from Reports of Christian Science Committees on Publication

Maine

In order to assist those who may seek for Christian Science in the books in our public libraries, permission has been obtained in almost every instance to have our authorized and approved Christian Science literature catalogued as such. And it is with gratitude that we find there are indications that some of the librarians now desire to accept only such publications as will give correct information about Christian Science and its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy. Recently two librarians have requested information concerning certain books offered to them as an aid in determining whether or not they should accept these books for their libraries. This changed attitude comes about gradually, and it is impossible to say just when and how it comes to pass.

Delaware

The newspapers in Delaware have generously supported us in printing our church service notices and Lesson-Sermon excerpts. They have also co-operated in publishing reports of our lectures and other activities of the Christian Science movement. Recently we communicated with a number of editors to revive their interest in working with us, and their response was most gratifying. All of them manifest a fine spirit of interest and co-operation. Some wrote they were glad to continue to carry our excerpts and reports. This is indicative of the fact that as people become acquainted with Christian Science, and realize it is based entirely on the Bible, they cease to be critical and frequently want to know more about it. One editor wrote us that whereas lie was not in the habit of granting space to religious items, he would be glad to make an exception in our case.

Because of the friendly attitude of the editors in Delaware, we are grateful to say there has been no call for corrections or retractions.

One of our members saw a report in the paper about an open meeting of a religious cult, and the fact that the visiting speaker claimed to have been formerly identified with Christian Science was prominently emphasized. Your Committee arranged to meet with this speaker before the gathering took place, was graciously received and learned that no derogatory remarks were to be made about Christian Science, which the speaker held in respect.

A Protestant minister when delivering a sermon recently referred favorably to Christian Science. A lady who had been present passed this news along to one of our members. Such reports are very gratifying because they show how public thought is being leavened.

Transvaal, Union of South Africa

The attitude of the press towards Christian Science and its activities continues to be friendly. No unfair or adverse criticisms appeared in the secular papers in this province. Local newspapers continue to publish articles from The Christian Science Monitor with proper acknowledgment, and the source of cable news from the Monitor is freely stated.

The "subscription in exchange for advertising" plan continues to progress, By this plan the newspaper receives the Monitor direct from Boston in return for providing space for advertising the Monitor. The latest recruit to the plan is the Johannesburg newspaper Forward, a paper devoted largely to labor interests. Forward has published a number of articles from the Monitor with acknowledgment, and it is fitting that the unfailing kindness and courtesy of the editor and staff to your Committee and Assistant Committee should be placed on record. It is regretted that the Christian Science articles which appeared quarterly on the Sermon page of the Sunday Times newspaper, Johannesburg in rotation with those from other denominations, have had to be discontinued. The editor wrote regretting the step, which was dictated by the scarcity of newsprint due to war conditions, necessitating a reduction in the size of the paper—all religious denominations being affected alike.

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The Church in Smyrna

September 11, 1943

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