Unpublished Letter to The Guardian Editor Re: Christian Science in Pandemic History

Dear Sir,

I was interested to read Jason Wilson’s recent Opinion piece “Anti-vaxxers and Covid conspiracists may seem wackier – but pandemic protest isn’t new” drawing parallels between the current pandemic protesters and similar historical movements including those in the 1920s. However, it is misleading to link Christian Scientists to them.

For more than a century the Christian Science church has counseled respect for public health authorities and conscientious obedience to the laws of the land, including those requiring vaccination.  An example of this is during the Spanish flu epidemic of the 1920s, referred to in Wilson’s article, when a reporter quoted a Des Moines, Iowa physician saying that “In my work in infected communities, I have always found [Christian] Scientists the first to respond to the slightest suggestion of unsanitary conditions, and the first to comply with fundamental health measures.” 

Wilson also says that Christian Science religious beliefs are against modern medical interventions, which is not the case.  While most Christian Scientists will normally rely on prayer for healing for themselves, as their faith teaches them, they of course value and respect medical professionals for the care they offer to so many.

Sincerely,

Kylie Sisson

District Manager, Christian Science Committees on Publication UK and Ireland