The National Post (Canada) published this letter to the editor submitted by the Committee on Publication for Alberta, Canada.

“Christian Science Replies”

As a small religious body with a conscientious practice of spiritual healing, Christian Scientists appreciate the space granted us by society to practice our faith. We choose spiritual healing because of what we have experienced of the practical effect of understanding God’s love for his creation. Our practice is individual and based on this love —not, as a recent article suggested, built on skepticism of vaccines nor fear of medical procedures. Our goal is to live the Biblical teachings as best we can.

My fellow Canadian church members and I feel blessed to live in Canada, and to enjoy the religious freedoms of our country. But we also know that our right to practice our faith necessarily includes a responsibility to support and strengthen our community. Our response to the article’s expressed concern is not new — our church founder counseled adherents at the turn of the 20th century not to “quarrel” over vaccinations, but to work out differences with others on the basis of mutual understanding and respect. Christian Scientists respect the laws of the land, including laws regarding contagious disease. And we feel that the true spirit of healing is based on a genuine love for people of every faith and background.

The Journal Inquirer (Connecticut), published this letter to the editor submitted by the The Christian Science Committee on Publication for Connecticut.  The entire text is shown below:
Christian Scientists’ view
Two recent articles on the issue of vaccination mentioned Christian Science. I thought your readers might appreciate knowing that Christian Scientists respect the concerns of our neighbors in regard to public health.
The health and safety of our communities is a civic obligation that responsible people from all walks and backgrounds share. Christian Scientists are no exception. We have a long history of cooperating with public health officials and obeying the law.

Our perspective on vaccination is different from most, but it’s rooted in both our respect for the democratic process and our desire to follow Jesus’ teaching in the spirit of the Golden Rule. More than 100 years ago church founder Mary Baker Eddy said, “Rather than quarrel over vaccination, I recommend, if the law demand, that an individual submit to this process, that he obey the law ….”

I can understand how those unfamiliar with our faith could misinterpret our view. Christian Scientists are known for their practice of spiritual healing through prayer. It’s a conscientious practice based on drawing closer to God and experiencing — as I’ve found in my own life — “The uplifting of the spirit was the upbuilding of the body.”

Church members make their own choices freely, in obedience to the law, including on vaccination, so we’ve appreciated the provisions in the law that have made room over many years for choices based on religious conscience. We also understand the need to consider the best interest of the public as a whole, and we’re grateful for the care and judgment expressed by our state’s legislators in weighing all factors thoughtfully in their effort to serve the common good.