Editorial September 26, 1964 Issue

"Distinctly democratic"

Helen Wood Bauman

The democratic system that was established by Mary Baker Eddy for conducting the affairs of branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, provides the orderly means for the solution of every problem of church government that may arise. In Article XXIII, Section 10, of the Manual of The Mother Church, Mrs. Eddy includes these words: "In Christian Science each branch church shall be distinctly democratic in its government, and no individual, and no other church shall interfere with its affairs."

The truly democratic form of government calls for equality and self-rule of those governed. Democracy admits a pluralistic concept of values and rejects a totalitarian concept, in which one group or one individual dominates the whole. The democratic system protects the minority, gives the individual the right to develop and express his own views, at the same time requiring of him patience and cooperation when he is in the minority.

Even when the branch church member is one of a minority and is certain that he is right, he still has recourse to prayer and to the truth that God is the only Mind, the only intelligence, the only wisdom, and that His will is in control. The member will be able to demonstrate practically the words of Wendell Phillips which Mrs. Eddy quotes several times, "One on God's side is a majority." One individual, realizing the truth, can demonstrate order where there has been disorder, justice where injustice has seemed on top.

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