First Church of Christ, Scientist, Belfast

Public benefits

The Church’s Board of Directors (Charity Trustees) are satisfied that both aspects of the public benefit requirement are met; The direct benefits flowing to the members and attendants include access to regular study of the Bible and of our text-book, ‘Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures’ as well as other literature published by our

’Mother Church’ in Boston, USA, for the worldwide movement. This leads to understanding more about, and living by, proven moral standards. Personal prayer and collective worship are encouraged. The moral and ethical framework of the church leads to practical acts – such as those of our ‘ Christian Science Practitioners’ – of personal devotion to help and heal others in need, for example through visits and prayers. Christian Scientists believe that improved mental and physical health can directly arise from their faith and are encouraged not to rely on doctors, chemists or hospitals for treatments and drugs etc. but rather rely on their faith and prayers for good health and healings. There is, however, no compulsion to rely exclusively on spiritual healing and each individual is free to make their own decision in the circumstances with mainstream healthcare always being an option open to them. The Church harms nobody, but rather it lives to bless our fellow-man in whatever way possible. These benefits are demonstrable through the clear existence of a moral, spiritual and ethical code of beliefs which encourages the practical application of religion in society, attendance at our religious services which are conducted in public, testimony of attendees suggesting higher levels of well-being and happiness and of the practical help and healings that their prayers have provided. Our Church in Boston also publishes periodicals, a weekly Sentinel and the monthly Journal. These contain verified accounts of healings. Our benefits are open to all. Anyone is welcome to come and share in our Services on Sundays and Wednesday Testimony Meetings, to use our public Reading Room/ Library facility on our premises and to attend our public lectures. Individuals apply for membership voluntarily (when he/she feels ready for it) and likewise may leave at any time. There is no pressure or exclusivity. Since it is totally a lay-church, there are no paid ministers or officials. Any existing ‘private benefits’ are very small – payments to our Readers, Librarian or Soloists which cover little more than travelling expenses and which are in practice frequently paid back in donations. The church does have ‘Christian Science Practitioners’ – people who devote themselves, when they are called upon, to helping and healing through visits to and prayers for those in need. Again ‘payment’ is frequently given by the patients for the time and help given, but this is on a voluntary basis, and the poor are not excluded; they would pay whatever they could afford and perhaps in certain circumstances no payment is given.

What your organisation does

We hold services on Sundays, and a Sunday School: also a meeting on Wednesdays for readings, discussion, prayer and testimony. We also organise public talks/lectures and other meetings. All these are open to the public.