No ordained clergy; lay Readers conduct services from Bible and Science
Christian Science rejects the concept of ordained clergy. There are no ministers, priests, or pastors in the traditional sense within the Christian Science church. Instead, elected Readers—both men and women—conduct Sunday services and read from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. This reflects the Christian Science belief in the priesthood of all believers and the direct access of each individual to divine Truth.
The absence of ordained clergy emphasizes that spiritual authority and healing power come not from human ordination but from understanding and demonstration of divine Principle. All practitioners of Christian Science are essentially its ministers.
Key Distinctions
- Ministry model:
- no ordained clergy; Readers (laypeople) conduct services from the Bible and Science and Health
- Ordination theology:
- no ordination; Readers elected by local church members
- Celibacy requirement:
- not required
Scripture References
Sources
- Manual of The Mother Church
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy