Mother Church governs through Manual; no ordained clergy
The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, known as the Mother Church, governs the Christian Science movement through the Manual of The Mother Church, written by Mary Baker Eddy. This Manual provides detailed governance for Branch Churches, which operate under Mother Church authority while maintaining local congregational structure. Authority derives ultimately from the Bible and Science and Health, interpreted through the Manual.
Unlike traditional churches, Christian Science has no ordained clergy hierarchy. The church is governed by elected officials and a Board of Directors. This structure reflects the Christian Science understanding that spiritual authority comes not from human appointment but from fidelity to divine Truth as revealed in Scripture and Christian Science.
Key Distinctions
- Governance model:
- The Mother Church governs through the Manual of The Mother Church; Branch Churches are subordinate
- Apostolic succession:
- not applicable — no clergy or ordained succession
- Women in ministry:
- full equality; Readers (both men and women) conduct services equally
- Doctrinal authority:
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures + Bible; Manual of The Mother Church
Scripture References
Sources
- Manual of The Mother Church
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy