Readers' Terms of Office

The Christian Science Board of Directors

At this season, when many branch churches and societies are holding their annual elections of officers, various questions arise as to Readers' terms of office. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has said much on the subject in two brief articles entitled "Words for the Wise" and "Afterglow," republished in her book "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 250). She indicates that branch churches should provide for their Readers to "retire ex officio, after three years of acceptable service as church Readers, to higher usefulness in this vast vineyard of our Lord." Thus, the privilege of serving in this important office may be shared in turn by others who are qualified.

It is to be noted that Mrs. Eddy does not make her wish mandatory, as she states that churches "will discriminate as regards its adaptability to their conditions" (ibid., p. 250). She gives a useful hint when she says that her words apply only to churches in the United States and Canada. It is obvious that conditions in lands where the Cause of Christian Science has not been so long established, and where services may be held in other languages, may render impracticable the three-year plan of rotation for Readers; nevertheless, Mrs. Eddy does not say that such churches should not adopt rotation when conditions warrant their doing so. Societies, too, are not included in our Leader's advice; but, as in other respects they may approach the standards for churches, so in this may also when they have reached the point of demonstration and are ready for the blessings which Mrs. Eddy has said will follow.

The question arises, May the Second Reader, after a three-year term, be elected First Reader for a like period? It would seem that an arrangement of this kind reads into Mrs. Eddy's words something that is not there, unless of course the local conditions make this a necessary arrangement. It is asked also, May one who has substituted, if elected, serve a three-year term as Reader, or may one who has filled a term as Reader act as a substitute? Clearly, temporary service as a substitute in an emergency does not disqualify one for a full term in the office of readership later; otherwise, confusion may ensue, and the orderly elections provided for in the by-laws may be upset. Most churches prefer that their First and Second Readers take office at the same time; and if a vacancy occurs, they usually appoint a substitute to fill the unexpired term.

It is asked, too, whether one who has read in meetings or in informal services held where there is as yet no organized society, may serve as Reader in a recognized branch. This temporary service before the recognition of The Mother Church is obtained, should not be regarded as disqualifying one for further service in a branch church or society; and it might be added that those who serve as Readers in university or college organizations, or in services held in penal or other public or private institutions, are not thereby made ineligible for like office in branch churches.

Some churches appoint substitute Readers from among former Readers, some from among members who have never served in that office. Some appoint substitutes for terms to be called upon when needed; others arrange for temporary Readers only when the occasion arises. If a Second Reader is called upon to serve as First Reader, as is done on rare occasions, he serves as substitute First Reader. Of course, there would also arise need for a substitute Second Reader, should the absence occur on Sunday; but each church should discern for itself which method serves it best.

It is asked whether Readers may be elected for one year only. There seems to be no good reason why such a rule should not be made if it seems best, provided it is the intention to reelect acceptable Readers until they have served the full three years. Branch churches are not expected to adopt verbatim the By-Law of The Mother Church, Article I, Section 4, and it does not specifically govern Readers in branch churches. Mrs. Eddy's expressed wish was that branch churches have three-year rotation in the office of Readers, and they should word their by-laws in terms to fit their local needs.

The Christian Science Board of Directors

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"Unto a lively hope"

January 5, 1929

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