Dear Friends,

The Principia was founded “to serve the Cause of Christian Science.” We expect all those associated - past, present, and future - with the institution to conform their ideals and practices to the teachings of Christian Science. That is a sacred trust. Any departure from this standard is wholly unacceptable.

It is in this spirit that we repudiate absolutely the use of personal attacks by anyone associated with Principia. This includes attacks against past or present officials of this institution, as exemplified by letters, e-mails, and website materials that have been all too widely circulated, including e-mails distributed in late November. Through the years, Principia's officials have all served to the best of their ability and with great dedication to the school's purpose and ideals. Every effort has been made and will continue to be made to correct any missteps and make sure that the institution remains true to its founder's vision. The very existence of Principia today, after 110 years of service to the Cause of Christian Science, is eloquent testimony that together we are succeeding in this endeavor.

We are dependent on and accountable to each other for Principia's continued success.  We must resist any temptation to tear down, criticize, or attack each other. Mrs. Eddy's article in Miscellaneous Writings entitled “Love Your Enemies” sets the standard we should uphold. “Simply count your enemy,” she writes, “to be that which defiles, defaces, and dethrones the Christ-image that you should reflect.” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 8: 17, emphasis added). As Christian Scientists, we cannot allow anger, hatred, frustration or any other human emotion to defile, deface, or dethrone the Christ-image that each of us should reflect.

Instead, let us unite in whole-hearted support of the precious students entrusted to our care. Let us work together so that Principia is known by its fruits, the quality of its results, as we forge ahead into another year in the history of this glorious idea.

With all good wishes for a peaceful Christmas and blessed New Year,

The Board of Trustees