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SALT LAKE CITY -- Christian Scientists in Utah welcomed their leaders to the state for the first time this weekend.
The group of faithful members invited their leaders, members of a board of directors from Boston who oversee day-to-day operations of a worldwide faith as well as its long-term direction.
"We're hopeful that this meeting and the dialogue that we'll have here will strengthen that sense of appreciation for what Christian Science has to offer the community," said Tom Black, a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Board of Directors.
The year 1909 marked the formation of a second congregation in Utah. The faith first came here in 1891. soon after Mary Baker Eddy founded the church based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Bible and her ideas and writings based on spirituality and healing.
"She was searching for health for herself and found it after a half a century of suffering, and so she felt that that was a system that could be learned," explained Margaret Rogers, chairwoman of the Christian Science Board of Directors.
Christian Scientists don't expect everyone to become members of their faith, but they do hope others will incorporate their teachings into their lives.
"I think our message is more what you believe has spiritual truths behind it, truths that will heal," said Nathan Talbot, of the Christian Science Board of Directors.
Christian Scientists have five congregations in Utah. Their leaders say they hope they will share that message of hope and healing in their communities.
Most Americans recognize 'The Christian Science Monitor," a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper from this faith. In this economy, it is now online daily and a weekly publication.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
