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Membership in The Mother Church

Christian Scientists gather together and fill The Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts.

Join with others around the world

What a joyful, empowering, and important step you are considering—joining with others worldwide who are members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist! Becoming a member of The Mother Church is a commitment to embrace the world by practicing what you’re learning about Christian Science. This fills you spiritually and blesses you, your family and friends, and the world.  

  • “I sincerely feel like I'm part of a church family without borders.”

  • “[My membership in The Mother Church] is part of my foundational bond with Christian Science which has blessed me more than words can say!”

  • “What a privilege it is to be a member of The Mother Church, and to be part of our worldwide family of spiritual thinkers and workers….”

How to start the process of becoming a member

The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, is designed to bring healing to the world. If the spirit of that mission feels compelling to you, please know that you’re needed in this work. Becoming a member strengthens the whole just as much as the individual. The steps to become a member are based on the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy. You’ll join in taking steps that every member of The Mother Church has joyfully and expectantly taken before you.

Applying for membership

How to complete your application and send it to us

View forms

Qualifications for membership (Manual pp. 34–35)

Article IV

Qualifications for Membership

Believe in Christian Science.  Section 1. To become a member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., the applicant must be a believer in the doctrines of Christian Science, according to the platform and teaching contained in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Rev. Mary Baker Eddy. The Bible, together with Science and Health and other works by Mrs. Eddy, shall be his only textbooks for self-instruction in Christian Science, and for teaching and practising metaphysical healing.

Free from Other Denominations. Sect. 2. This Church will receive a member of another Church of Christ, Scientist, but not a church member from a different denomination until that membership is dissolved.

Children when Twelve Years Old. Sect. 3. Children who have arrived at the age of twelve years, who are approved, and whose applications are countersigned by one of Mrs. Eddy’s loyal students, by a Director, or by a student of the Board of Education, may be admitted to membership with The Mother Church.

Citations related to membership

The following citations might support your prayers as you consider membership.

The Holy Bible

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896 by Mary Baker Eddy

Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy

Membership FAQs

Your initial questions—answered here.

Reuniting with The Mother Church

Returning to membership after some time away? Start here.

Already a member?

Share or update your contact information to stay in touch.