The framework of government in the Christian Science movement is the conception of law set forth in the church Manual by Mary Baker Eddy, which provides no forum of discussion or debate in which her By-Laws might be interpreted and applied.

The theory often advanced that the final power of control should rest with the body of church congregants, as is usual in political and social organizations, applies here in this instance as well, although in a unique and different way.

The congregants did not originate the By-Laws in Mrs. Eddy’s church Manual. The Manual came from Mrs. Eddy herself, with whom alone remained all power not granted specifically therein in writing to someone else or in the printed word.

The three necessary and distinct departments of government systems throughout the world are the legislative, the executive, and the judicial departments.

Students of sound political structure tell us that the consolidation (centralization) of these three naturally and necessarily distinct departments open the door to tyranny for the status of the institution or the state.

Successful governments have recognized this and have enjoyed prosperity as they have maintained the three departments separate and distinct. No clearer example of this recognized ideal, may be found than in the form of the government for the United States of America.

The government for the Christian Science movement presents the same distinctive features that characterize successful forms of government worldwide and assures its perpetuity.

The legislative element of government can be found in Mrs. Eddy church Manual, a simple body of "behavioral" laws that she said can never be changed, made possible only because of the spiritual insight and foresight of their originator, herself.

The executive element of government was intended to be found vested in the Christian Science Board of Directors, consisting of the four director/trustees operating under the 1892 Deed of Trust that established a "place" of worship located in Boston, Massachusetts.

But where is the judicial element based upon authority to be found? Authority that has stood as the guardian of liberty and protection from despotism. Does our Manual have such a written provision for such a form?

Well, aware as we are of the completeness of the Christian Science movement, providing as it does for every need and contingency, we shall not look in vain for this judicial element. It does indeed exist, and is actively functioning for the well-being of our Cause.

Our revered and honored Leader was not a lawyer as such, and yet her knowledge of legal rules necessary for the protection of the movement exceeded the wisdom of erudite men of law schooled in their profession.

Since she has left us, the entire structure of her Cause has been subjected to the violence of unprecedented storm, only to outride at last the hurricanes and rest serene.

Mrs. Eddy perceived clearly what the architects of our country’s government from their material viewpoint did not see, that there exists spiritually, as is stated in her own words in Science and Health (p.437), “The Supreme Court of Spirit, the final arbiter of Truth over error. Before it the turbulent senses are brought to silence. Justice prevails throughout its hallowed halls. Confidence and peace pervade its sanctum. Its laws covers the universe and man."