Emergence International (EI) is a worldwide community of Christian Scientists and their families and friends, with the purpose of supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people and to advocate for change in the Christian Science movement.
The first conference for representatives from some of these groups met in Chicago in 1983.
Following a second conference in 1985, several participants decided to develop a national identity for gay Christian Scientists and Emergence International was born.
The name derives from a quote by Mrs. Eddy: "Emerge gently from matter into Spirit.
"[1] The organization hosts an annual conference where papers, workshops, and a unique worship service are presented.