New York Times response from the Christian Science Board of Directors

Dear Fellow Members and Friends,

This communication is being sent to Committees on Publication this afternoon regarding the Christian Science Board of Directors’ response to The New York Times article published today.  The article, titled “Christian Science Church Seeks Truce with Modern Medicine,” by Paul Vitello, contained numerous inaccurate statements.  Because of limited space, we are addressing only a few of the major inaccuracies. Thank you for your continued prayers regarding this article.

Warmly,

Nathan Talbot

Clerk of The Mother Church

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ACTION BULLETIN

TO COMMITTEES WORLDWIDE

March 24, 2010

 

New York Times Response from the Christian Science Board of Directors

Dear Co-worker,

We want to alert you to the response, below, from the Christian Science Board of Directors to The New York Times regarding the article titled “Christian Science Church Seeks Truce with Modern Medicine,” published in today’s paper.

The article contained numerous errors, but you can rest assured that we will continue to work with the Times and the reporter who interviewed us for several hours.

We continue to see all our encounters with media, no matter how much opposition we encounter, as occasions to build relationships with all journalists and to leaven thought.

Thanks again for all you are doing every day to correct impositions on the public.

DISTRIBUTION

Please share the Board’s response with your ACOMs and have them share this response with their members.

CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS

 

Please contact Russ Gerber at 617-450-3309 or email at gerberr@csps.com.

Phil Davis, Manager

Committees on Publication

To the Editor:

It’s always difficult to explain someone else’s religion.  We’d like to help correct a few of the inaccuracies in ‘Christian Science Church Seeks Truce with Modern Medicine’ (March 24).  Some core points of Christian Science teaching that have been consistent throughout its history are:

•    The choice between medical and Christian Science treatment has always been, and must always be, left to the individual.

•    Christian Science treatment is practiced most effectively when not combined with medication, and experience has shown this to be true.

•    Christian Science doesn’t ignore the practical needs of the sick but provides for skilled Christian Science nursing care when necessary.  

Christian Science encourages the greatest degree of compassion toward everyone seeking healing, including those who use medical care. To the extent our members haven’t shown that compassion, the Church is doing everything it can to encourage this normal Christian affection.

Mary M. Trammell, Chair

The Christian Science Board of Directors

Boston, Massachusetts

3/31/10