My last post describes 67 scientific academies around the world weighing in to support evolution. Not to be left behind, the Episcopalian intelligentsia and leadership have just done the same.
Both houses, Bishops and Deputies, of the Episcopal Church General Convention have approved the following resolution. The Episcopal Church is therefore now on record in supporting good science, recognizing that biological evolution is good science, and supporting good science education. And if you believe that, you need your head screwed on straight.
Here is the text of the final version:
* FINAL VERSION – Concurred
Resolution A129
Title: Affirm Creation and EvolutionResolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention
affirm that God is Creator, in accordance with the witness of Scripture and
the ancient Creeds of the Church; and be it further, Resolved, That the
theory of evolution provides a fruitful and unifying scientific explanation
for the emergence of life on earth, that many theological interpretations of
origins can readily embrace an evolutionary outlook, and that an acceptance
of evolution is entirely compatible with an authentic and living Christian
faith; and be it further Resolved, That Episcopalians strongly encourage
state legislatures and state and local boards of education to establish
standards for science education based on the best available scientific
knowledge as accepted by a consensus of the scientific community; and be it
further Resolved, That Episcopal dioceses and congregations seek the
assistance of scientists and science educators in understanding what
constitutes reliable scientific knowledge.The following explanation for the resolution is not part of the Resolves but
was entered with them so that bishops and deputies would have a context for
the resolution:EXPLANATION
The theory of evolution is broadly accepted by the overwhelming majority in
the scientific community as the most adequate explanation for the emergence
of life on earth, and the ongoing adaptation of life to changes in
environments. For example, knowledge of how evolution functions is essential
in understanding the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, the resistance
of insects to insecticides, and the appearance of viruses such as HIV and
influenza.The teaching of evolution is a crucial contribution to the development of
scientific literacy among the nation’s youth, yet state legislators and
state and local school boards continue to challenge, limit, or seek to
supplant the teaching of evolution. Limiting the teaching of evolution in
our schools has the potential to compromise students’ ability to understand
constantly changing living systems, and may undermine, for instance, the
understanding and treatment of diseases of the future.Since the sixteenth century, Anglicans have described their faith in terms
of the “three-legged stool” of Scripture, Tradition and Reason. The quest to
understand the origins of life on earth, and the forces that drive the
ongoing changes in living organisms involves Reason and is in no way
incompatible with the central truths of Scripture and Christian Tradition.
Episcopalians generally accept that it is appropriate to seek to understand,
through scientific probing, the origins both of the cosmos and life on
earth, and that evolution is a valid explanation of the development of all
living things, including humanity. Several leading Anglican theologians,
past and present, among them priest-scientists William G. Pollard, Arthur
Peacocke, and Sir John Polkinghorne, have shown how an evolutionary world
view can be integrated with a theology of creation. The 67th General
Convention affirmed a belief “in the glorious ability of God to create in
any manner”, and its “support of scientists, educators, and theologians in
the search for truth” (GC Resolution 1982-D090). [Bob’s note: this 1982
resolution also rejected “the rigid dogmatism of the ‘creationist’
movement”.]* Resolution is final but status and text are still under review before
publication.