Two hundred Christian Scientists took time out of their schedules December 4, 2006, to gather in the Great Hall of Flags in the Massachusetts State House. They came from many towns and cities across the state to support a legislative bill to provide religious accommodation for the care of children. Second Majority Leader, Representative Byron Rushing, is sponsoring the proposed legislation.

The bill addresses the responsible use of spiritual healing for children, and takes the form of an amendment to current child abuse and neglect laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Though it would not serve as a bar to prosecution, and is not an exemption, the bill's affirmative defense language would allow parents who sincerely practice spiritual healing to at least argue the reasonableness of their actions.

The Christian Scientists met individually, or in small groups, with their senators or representatives to encourage them to become cosponsors of the bill. Before this, they were briefed in the Great Hall by Phil Davis and Claire Waterson of the Christian Science Committees on Publication, an office that helps the public, including legislators, to remain accurately informed on matters relating to Christian Science. Nate Talbot, the chairman of the Christian Science Board of Directors, also spoke to the gathering.

Waterson, who is Committee on Publication for Massachusetts, warmly welcomed everyone—especially those who had traveled from outside of Boston. "You are here to bless all mankind," he said, "to bless your neighbors and help them know more about the role Christian Science plays in your lives. Each of your voices will be heard. And when your voices become a chorus, those you visit will look up and take notice."

Representative Rushing explained how important it is that people who support spiritual healing should be able to speak out. He encouraged his audience to make it clear to their representatives that they stand by their beliefs. "Tell them what this bill means to you and your family. Say why it is so important to you. And stay in touch with your representatives even if they say they don't like it."

After the gathering, Andrew Clements and his wife, Becky, of Westborough, Massachusetts, said they were particularly struck by the goodwill and earnest interest of the representatives' staff with whom they spoke. They have raised four sons, relying consistently on spiritual healing during the boys' years at home. "Seeing firsthand the huge stacks of folders on every available desk and shelf in the offices, gave us an appreciation of the immense amount of work and mental activity that goes into the democratic process," they said. "The whole day's experience was an encouraging reminder that all law derives from the divine order, and that the spiritual logic and intelligence of our request has real power behind it."

As she left the capitol, Susan Collins said, "I felt a great sense of expectancy, a wonderful stirring, and a surge of gratitude." Collins, the mother of one grown son who was raised in Christian Science, was quick to add that there's no denying Christian Scientists have their work cut out. "There can be no letting up in our sincerest efforts to daily, hourly, demonstrate the Christ, Truth," she said. "And this includes consecrated practical labor in reeducating the public over their misconceptions about what Christian Science is, and what Christian Science does. But we have every tool—and we have spiritual means!"

Phil Davis, who is the manager of Committees on Publication, emphasized that Christian Scientists prove every day that Christian Science heals and is a responsible form of care for children. "It is this fact that motivates them to support this bill," he said. "This bill puts no child at risk, and determines no outcome in the courtroom, but it does allow parents to explain why their healthcare decisions were reasonable to them. It's a matter of fairness."

Davis added that if readers have any questions, they can contact the Massachusetts Committee on Publication (Claire Waterson) at 978-535-2900 or at macom@csps.com. CSS

—Kim Shippey