CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27370, 8 June 1954, Page 3

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS

7500 DELEGATES AT ANNUAL MEETING EMPHASIS ON “SIMPLE POWERS OF PRAYER” Spiritual understanding alone can heal today’s widespread distrust and discord and assure universal freedom and security, the Christian Science Board of Directors said yesterday in a special statement from Boston, Massachusetts. About 7500 Christian Scientists from many parts of the world heard the directors’ message at the annual meeting of the Mother Church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston. Emphasising the universal nature of spiritual understanding, the directors said that the healing promises of practical Christianity applied “to every human being and every group and nation. “When we look at the world and its problems, we cannot fail to be grateful that the teaching of Christ Jesus has so broadly and deeply registered in it,’’ the directors said. This teaching, they declared, offered a lasting solution to confusion in government, conflicting national interests, and world tension. Named President of the Mother Church for the coming year was Mr William R. Knox, of Boston, Massachusetts, a Christian Science practitioner active in the healing work of the denomination for almost 50 years. His term of office is one year. Mr Knox stressed the conviction of Christian Scientists that God’s law and power were scientifically applicable to human problems and available to all. He said they based this conviction on the practical results of “the simple power of prayer” in their own lives and in the healing of others. Emphasising the significance of spiritual healing in the work of Christianity as understood in Christian Science, Mr Knox said. “Christian healing, is the lifeblood of our cause .... That branch church is most prosperous and blessed where the healing work flourishes and the lives of its members overflow with the Christ influence.” Accounts of Healing Bearing witness to this were accounts of Christian Science healing read at the meeting which included total recovery from a case of multiple sclerosis diagnosed as incurable, appendicitis ana peritonitis diagnosed as beyond help, brain tumor pronounced fatal, and a case of internal injuries and crushel pelvis medically pronounced as crippling if not fatal. Growing recognition of the effectiveness of Christian Science healing was reflected in favourable legislative action. Will B. Davis, manager of committees on publication, reported. “Freedom imposes responsibility,” Mr Davis emphasised, in referring to legal exemptions from compulsory medication. He said that respect for the rights of others and careful observance or the laws relating to quarantine and the reporting of communicable diseases ‘lias done much to win the public respect so widely enjoyed by our cause.” Reports on the world-wide activities of the denomination, which has branches throughout the United States and in some 40 other countries, were made by other key officials.