Extracts from Reports of Christian Science Committees on Publication

Oklahoma

In addition to letters of appreciation we have received requests for citations used on Christian Science radio programs, and inquiries about literature. One woman requested that she be shown how to study the Lesson-Sermon. A man, not a Christian Scientist, who was impressed with the quality of the programs and with the good he felt they are doing, expressed his appreciation for them by contributing a substantial sum of money to a local Christian Science church. An Indiana listener wrote to Station KVOO, Tulsa, "These programs from The Mother Church in Boston are appreciated by many hungry hearts."

We feel that in spite of the rationing of newsprint, editors have been generous with us and cooperative. Nothing uncomplimentary to Christian Science has appeared in any newspaper although two references in denominational organs have required correction. The publicity material which has been sent out from this office has constituted, with few exceptions, all references to our religion in the newspapers.

It was necessary to remind one editor that copyright regulations must be observed, and proper credit given, when editorials or articles from The Christ tan Science Monitor are republished.

Excerpts from the Sunday Lesson-Sermons continue to be the chief item of publicity. These are compiled and sent out by this Committee. Although the full text we furnish is not always used, the portion that is published gives the public some inkling of our religion, and answers the query. "Is Christian Science based upon the Holy Bible?" The Lesson-Sermon excerpts are furnished to seventy-seven newspapers weekly. An evangelist wrote that he had become interested in those appearing in his local paper, and inquired about one of the subjects presented. Lie was sent a Christian Science Quarterly with instructions how to find the citations in the Lesson-Sermon.

The Oklahoma Legislature met for four months in 1945. As usual, hundreds of bills were introduced and considered. No new law was enacted that hinders Christian Scientists in any way. Only one bill required considerable thought and activity. It was House Bill No. 367, an act requiring prenatal blood tests. We were successful in convincing the House Committee on Public Health and Sanitation, in an open hearing on the bill, that Christian Scientists should be exempt from its provisions. They accepted the following amendment to the bill: "None of the provisions of this Act shall apply to any person who, as an exercise of religious freedom, administers to or treats the sick or suffering by spiritual means or prayer, nor to any person, who, because of her religious belief in good faith selects and depends upon such spiritual means or prayer for the treatment or cure of disease." This provision became Section 3 of the Act which was then passed and is now the law in Oklahoma.

Montana

Cordial relations continue between this office and the press. During the past year there has been no occasion for a corrective letter. We are grateful to the newspapers in Montana which, in spite of apparent shortage of newsprint have printed with gratifying regularity our Lesson-Sermon excerpts. "Gems of Thought,'" our religious articles, lecture reports, church notices, notices of The Mother Church transcribed programs, and the report of the Annual Meeting of The Mother Church.

In several towns where we have branch churches, generous publicity has been given by the editors to the splendid activities of the Christian Science War Relief Committee.

Fifty-nine editors are receiving The Christian Science Monitor in exchange for advertising the Monitor in their respective newspapers. Eleven of this number are new subscribers. That this offer is appreciated by these editors is evidenced by such remarks as the following: "We enjoy the Monitor; it is one of the best periodicals received in this office." "The Monitor is a 'must' in our office and we are certainly glad to renew in exchange for advertising." "Couldn't get along without the Monitor. By all means, renew my subscription."

On November 4, 1944, the weekly broadcast of The Mother Church transcribed programs was inaugurated and was continued throughout the year, the programs being heard every Saturday afternoon.

Free time was allotted us for seventeen Christian Science programs, the material for such programs being furnished by this office. Many reports of enlightenment and healing have been received.

An invitation to address the Young People's Group of the Floral Park Congregational Church in Butte was received and accented. These boys and girls, of high school age, their pastor, and the sponsor and his wife, were very attentive, and appeared to receive the message with interest and appreciation.

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Sunday School Observations

February 16, 1946

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