On June 7, 2021, church members from all over the UK watched the annual meeting of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, as it was live-streamed from the Church’s headquarters in Boston. Watch the recording here.

As a Christian Scientist, I’d like to give a different perspective on Damian Thompson’s Feb 28 podcast, because I see in my church energetic, committed, and joyful individuals. However, Mr. Thompson’s argument begs the question vital to the practice of all faith, namely, what about religion will actually last? If it isn't practical, real, revitalizing, what is religion for?

Christian Scientists have lived and worshiped in communities around the world for over a century. This year, the thoughts, and earnest prayers, of our church’s members turned toward Ottawa, Canada, following the news in May of an assault in a Christian Science Reading Room which took the life of a fellow member (and for many of us, loved friend).

For many people today, the phrase “sending thoughts and prayers” has become a meaningless cliché. Christian Scientists’ annual meeting on June 4 offered the view that it doesn’t have to be that way.