Liberty of Action
by Lynda Spencer
“Truth should emanate from the pulpit, but never be strangled there.” (Science and Health, p. 236)
When the inquiry arises regarding how Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, differs from the Boston church, most of the time the underlying question really is “why.” The motive behind the question may vary; but for those who have been in the organization for a long time, it may stem from fear. Is Plainfield “authentic,” or is it going against Mrs. Eddy’s wishes? The issue goes beyond activities to how the Mother Church Manual is being used.
To the question whether the Manual is being followed properly — which Manual? Being independent of Boston, the Plainfield Church is free to follow the 88th Manual, which is the final and last one Mrs. Eddy approved and sanctioned. Since 1910 the Mother Church Manual has been used legalistically with the intent to control. Plainfield no longer operates as a “branch church” since it has been excommunicated by Boston, so it is at liberty to follow its own spiritual leading. Careful reading of Mrs. Eddy’s writings makes clear her intention to keep all churches independent of each other.
It is very important to understand one particular change to the Manual that was put into place after Mrs. Eddy’s passing. It can be found in the 89th edition on page 120 where it reads, “Present Order of Services in The Mother Church.” In this 89th edition you will find the words added: “and Branch Churches.” This was also done on page 127 for the Sunday School service. This addition creates a false perception and makes a sweeping implication that all churches must look like and follow the Boston church. The added words allow for subtle but overreaching control of branch churches by the b.o.d. in Boston. To change the words which Mrs. Eddy was divinely directed to write is taking something holy and corrupting it.
Another outcome of changing Mrs. Eddy’s language has resulted in Boston labeling some literature “unauthorized,” thereby preventing members from learning the true history of the Cause, which should be free from ecclesiastical control. Let the 88th Manual, Mrs. Eddy’s final edition, speak for itself. “Let the Word have free course and be glorified.” (No and Yes, p. 45)