CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR
the distress in the regions of France which had been invaded and which were being gradually liberated by the advance of the Allies.
During the year of 1917, ninety-two individual cases, of which thirty-six were Christian Scientists, were helped and it was decided to extend help also to the liberated districts in which the returning inhabitants were in the utmost need. The circular letter which follows was sent to the authorities of these regions,
“THE MOTHER CHURCH WAR RELIEF FUND
“(The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts)
“From the Office of the Paris Committee
“To the Mayor:
“We have the honor of calling to your attention a fund known as ‘The Mother Church War Relief Fund,’ created by the gifts of Christian Scientists in the United States and other parts of the world for the purpose of helping war sufferers. Contributions already made by Christian Scientists to this Fund exceed a million and a half francs.
“The Paris Committee responsible for the distribution of that portion of the fund allotted to France has been established since the early months of the war and has already distributed a substantial sum in relieving suffering in this country.
“The use of the fund is not confined to any particular sect but extends to all sufferers regardless of religion or other distinction and the Paris Committee would be glad to extend its benefits to sufferers in your Commune if such help would be acceptable.
“As access to your Commune by civilians is practically impossible, we are not in a position to get in touch with the
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