Date: October 28, 2024
Faith and science—uneasy bedfellows? Not if you’re Anglican. Our tradition has a long history of engagement with the natural sciences, dating all the way back to when English clergy taught the sciences at Oxford and Cambridge.
But what do the church and the scientific community have to say to each other in the 21st century? What is our Christian witness in fields such as climate science, bioethics, and astronomy, to name but a few? And what questions do we need to consult scientists about? That’s the work of the Anglican Communion Science Commission (ACSC), which Virginia Theological Seminary and the Center for Anglican Communion Studies, will be hosting on campus this week.
The ACSC exists to “think courageously about science and faith.” It works to celebrate science as a God-given resource and to support faith and science communities as they collaborate for the betterment of people and the planet.
More than 30 bishops, academics, and scientists—and some who are all three—will meet from Tuesday through Thursday to pray, engage in Bible study, hear keynote presentations, and develop action plans to advance the commission’s work within the global Anglican Communion.
Students and faculty are invited to attend a community forum on Tuesday, October 29, from 12:45–1:45 p.m. in Scott Lounge. Bring your lunch over from the Refectory and hear about the work of the ACSC from Bishop Emily Onyango of the Anglican Church of Kenya; the Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Spencer, Adviser for Theological Education to the Anglican Communion Office; and Dr. Andrew Briggs, Professor of Nanomaterials at Oxford University.
Please extend a warm Virginia Theological Seminary welcome to members of the ACSC as you meet them this week. And pray for their vital work.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of The General Theological Seminary