Welcome to the first newsletter of the Anglican Communion Science Commission.  If you are receiving this email, it's because you are registered as a 'Lead Science Bishop' or are a provincial representative on the Science Commission.

In this edition, find out how Lead Science Bishops are implementing their Action Plans, read news and stories from Commission members and access science and faith resources including bible studies, films and webinar materials.

You can email the Science Commission here:
Science-Commission@anglicancommunion.org

News:
Science Commission Consultation - October 2024

Members of the Anglican Communion Science Commission at a consultation in October 2024.

In October 2024, the Lead Science Bishops and others enjoyed three remarkable days together in the beautiful setting of Virginia Theological Seminary, generously hosted by the Center for Anglican Communion Studies.  

Bishops talked about developing action plans focused on bringing together a network of scientists, theologians, bishops and clergy to reflect on the issues of science and faith most important to each region. Networks might meet in person or online, to enable diverse  participation and collaboration.

Read about the meeting here.

Action Plan updates:

Thank you for sharing your progress
 

Many of the Lead Science Bishops have started to develop their Action Plans for their Provinces. The Commission Steering Group invite you to share your plans or case studies. This enables us all to share ideas, expand our network of science champions and grow awareness for the needs and opportunities in different settings around the Communion. 
 

Archbishop Linda Nicholls is on the Steering Committee for the Science Commission. She will be in touch in the weeks and months ahead to encourage and support your efforts. 

Archbishop Linda says:

"It has been my delight to connect with the Lead Science Bishops in each Province. Knowing the schedule of most bishops I do encourage you to share the work. You are to be the catalyst in your Province to bring together a network of scientists, theologians, bishops and clergy to discuss issues of science and faith in your region – and can delegate and bring others alongside to grow a network and advisory council. Nurturing conversations between science and faith will be through the slow, steady building of relationships and trust." 

The Science Commission plan to share updates about progress at the next Anglican Consultative Council meeting in 2026. The Anglican Communion Office will be sending out more information about the meeting in the months ahead. Please continue to share your plans with us in advance.  

Inspiration: 
Science and Faith in The Church in Wales
 

First Minister Eluned Morgan with Archbishop Andrew John, the Church in Wales

Last November, the Most Rev’d Andrew John, Archbishop of the Church in Wales convened a summit to make a positive difference to the health of rivers in Wales. The 'Restoring Welsh Rivers Summit' brought together more than ninety delegates including scientists, farmers, environmentalists and water-industry representatives. The overall message of the summit was that working together, being innovative, and having a clear, well-funded plan were essential for restoring and protecting Wales' rivers for the future.

A youth representative at the event said: "Attending this summit was not only enlightening but also inspiring, as we spoke with passionate individuals dedicated to preserving Welsh landscapes. We left with a deeper understanding of the issues facing our rivers and the role we can play in their restoration. It was a remarkable experience that reinforced the importance of environmental stewardship in our communities."
 

Read a report about the event by the Church in Wales here.

Inspiration: 

Watch a film with Bishop Cleophas Lunga on faith, science and the fight against malaria

Visit the ACO for more films from the Science Commission. 

Inspiration: 
The Church of Ireland develops science partnerships 

Bishop Ian Clogher is the Anglican Communion Science Commission Lead Bishop for the Church of Ireland. His Action Plan is focused on 'developing partnerships with scientists and theologians to bring a Science and Faith support group together for the Church of Ireland.'

So far, the bishophas consluted with staff in the Church of Ireland Tehological Institute (CITI), and has made contact with student ordinands or university contacts intereseted in science and faith.  He will also be reporting about the Science Commission to the House of Bishiops and plans to share ideas for how the Church could best respond to the Lambeth Call on Science and Faith. 

Bishop Ian says: 'I am encouraged and amazed at the range of highly qualified professional scientists and clergy /theologians with a genuine interest in the topic of Science and Faith.'

Resources and information

The science commission exists to promote Anglican discussion on faith and science, equip churches to collaborate with the scientific community in response to human need and bring the ethical voice of faith to scientific discovery. 

Access recent resources here:

• Science and Faith Commission: Visit the web pages for the Science Commission here
• Film: Hear Anglicans talk about Science and Faith here
• Lambeth Call on Science and Faith: Explore the Lambeth Call on Science and faith, watch a recent webinar discussion and access Bible studies here

Keep in touch

The Steering Group would love to hear from the Lead Science Bishops. We also have a WhatsApp group where we share relevant news and updates.

You can email the Science Commission here:
Science-Commission@anglicancommunion.org

Thank you

Your contact details are registered with the Anglican Communion Office in support of the Anglican Communion Science Commission. 

Co-chaired by the Revd Prof Kwamena Sagoe and Bishop Steven Croft, and coordinated by Professor Andrew Briggs (Professor of Nanomaterials, University of Oxford) and the Revd Dr Stephen Spencer, the ACSC draws on the wisdom and expertise of Anglicans worldwide.