Exeter to host science and faith project

Exeter will host a series of talks and debates on science and faith next month, thanks to a grant from the Scientists in Congregations scheme.

“On Common Ground” brings together contributors including Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of Crediton and a former Chief Nursing Officer for England, scientists from the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, the Chief Executive of the Met Office, Rob Varley. The work is being led by Canon Anna Norman-Walker (Exeter Cathedral) and Prof John Bryant (Emeritus Professor, University of Exeter).

Commenting on the launch, Prof John Bryant said: “I have always been passionate about communicating both science and faith, on the understanding that these represent different aspects of the truth of existence. Our speakers will talk about how science and religion interact with each other and whether or not science might lead to an understanding of God.”

This project is among ten to receive funding and is aimed at helping churchgoers engage confidently with science, raising the profile of Christians whose vocation is science-related and changing the debate about science and faith in churches and communities.

Rt Rev Dr Richard Cheetham, Bishop of Kingston, and one of the co-leaders of Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science, alongside Durham University Professors David Wilkinson and Tom McLeish, said:

"I have been very excited and encouraged by the range and quality of these local projects – they bear witness to the widespread and vibrant desire to enable a fruitful and stimulating conversation between science and faith which is much needed in contemporary society.”

Scientists in Congregations is part of Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science, a three-year Durham University project run in partnership with the Church of England.
Four events take place at Exeter Cathedral and the University of Exeter on Thursday in March 2017.

For more information about the project and how to book please visit oncommonground.net