2009 Faith Engaging Science Synod Events
6th Annual InterFase Townes Lecture and UCC Science and Technology Dinner
Keynote: Dr. Emily Buchholtz, "Endless Forms Most Wonderful and Most Beautiful." Synod Workshop: God and Evolution-the Faith and Science of Evolution - Dr. Emily Buchholtz, Dr. Karen Lebacqz and Mr. Frank Villa.

We want to make clear the UCC's belief that science and religion are not mutually exclusive, and we extend our unequivocal welcome to persons who devote their lives to scientific inquiry, no matter the discipline. We are a thoughtful, thinking church.

Recently the Rev. John H. Thomas, the UCC's general minister and president, released a groundbreaking theological statement, "A New Voice Arising: A Pastoral Letter on Faith Engaging Science and Technology," which speaks a new prophetic word about the millenniums-old feud between religion and science. The accompanying faith sharing guide and information on how to start a science and faith discussion group were created for church study.

"Many today are hungering for an authentic spirituality that is intellectually honest and at home in a scientific era," the UCC's pastoral letter states. "They are searching for a new kind of wisdom to live by, one that is scientifically sophisticated, technologically advanced, morally just, ecologically sustainable, and spiritually alive."

The UCC Science and Technology Network

Science and technology issues face congregations every day. At work and in family life, we are faced with dilemmas, hope, and cultural changes involving technology. This creates a need for dialogue and conversation in the church.

Every local church has individuals who are scientists, science teachers, physicians, or people working in medical fields. The expertise of these individuals and the community can serve as good resources for churches.

The UCC STN is a growing network of UCC people who believe that science and Christian faith can learn from each other. We are grateful for our church, for its public witness to peace and justice in all arenas of life, and for its openness to new theological ideas. We are involved in local church and conferences.

There is no formal membership, though a steering committee exists to support denominational outreach through the website encouraging your educational efforts and book studies, and providing helpful links and information about related General Synod events.

"I am delighted to see the United Church of Christ's clear support of science. I believe that science and religion are complementary to each other, and should not be seen as competing ways of looking at the world; they are concerned with different questions.  In an era of such rapid science and technology advances – advances that bring benefits as well as, at times, risks -- and when science and technology are becoming ever-more imbedded in every aspect of modern life, it is essential that we maintain an active dialogue among scientists, ethicists, and religious communities. In the same way that UCC states that it cannot ignore the context in which it functions, neither can the scientific community ignore its societal context. For this reason, we see a dialogue between science and religion as vital."

Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
American Association for the Advancement of Science

"This is a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and perceptive discussion of science and religion and growth of their helpful interaction.  We can look forward to still more scientific exploration and understanding of the nature of the universe and of human life, and with that I trust there will be still better understanding of creation, spirituality, and the future of humans."

Charles Townes
Nobel laureate for physics; Templeton prize recipient; Member, First Congregational UCC in Berkeley, Calif.

"This is a wonderfully clear summary of the serious challenges and exciting opportunities when traditional religious beliefs encounter recent discoveries in a range of sciences – from cosmology to evolution,  brain research and genetics. It also raises issues of social justice and environmental impacts arising from technology - from medical therapies to our unsustainable use of energy. It is truly a 'pastoral' letter in addressing personal questions in the lives of laypersons today rather than the more abstract debates common among theologians or philosophers."

Ian G. Barbour
Physicist and theologian
1999 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion; Author, "When Science Meets Religion"
Member, First UCC in Northfield, Minn.