Editorial June 3, 1961 Issue

The Importance of the Congregation

John J. Selover

In the Bible we read (Matt. 18:20), "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." It does not matter how large a congregation may be—perhaps it is only two or three, perhaps it numbers thousands—if they truly meet in love for God, then the Christ, expressing the perfection and harmony of God, is at hand.

The importance of the congregation is stressed from early Israelitish history. The people were at one time "gathered together as one man" (Judg. 20:1). Today as thought is turned to the Annual Meeting of The Mother Church in Boston, it is of value to consider the relationship of the congregation to the growth of our Cause.

Christian Scientists are conscious of the importance of purifying their thoughts and of giving prayerful support to each office in the Church of Christ, Scientist. Without in any way personalizing their metaphysical work, they, for example, support the office of Reader. They recognize its inherent spiritual function. But their prayerful work should not stop with the office of Reader or with other offices designated as such by church rules or bylaws. The place of the congregation should also be given proper recognition and metaphysical support.

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