Article October 29, 1949 Issue

Christian Science Committees on Publication CORRECT FALSE STATEMENTS IN THE PRESS

[From annual reports]

Japan

The duties of the Committee on Publication for Japan are influenced by the occupation of Japan by the United States Army under the direction of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, for all the press, as well as all legislative action, comes under his scrutiny. While it has been impossible to scan the Japanese language newspapers for possible misinformation about Christian Science, it is known that the censorship of everything published in Japan makes it unlikely that a direct attack would appear in the press, inasmuch as it is against the policy of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers to permit attacks on religion. There are signs that before long many of the activities of the Committee on Publication will be carried on and assisted by Japanese Christian Scientists, who will be able to exercise closer supervision of the Japanese language press.

Asahi, a Tokyo newspaper, ran an article in one of their Sunday country editions in which Christian Science services in Tokyo were listed and giving an incorrect estimate of the average attendance, also stating that it was similar to Seicho-no-Ie, a Japanese faith-healing cult. The editors readily agreed to print a correction in a forthcoming article featuring religious news and activities. This publicity brought numerous letters of inquiry addressed to Christian Science Society, Tokyo, from Japanese readers, and steps have been taken to ensure that these inquiries are being properly handled.

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