[asa] Resolution affirming Creation and Evolution

I just received word from Johnnie Ross, a deputy to the Episcopal Church
General Convention smf a colleague on the Committee on Science,
Technology and Faith, that a resolution put forward by our committee has
been approved by both houses, Bishops and Deputies. Here is the text of
the final version of the resolution; it was first amended in committee
in the House of Bishops (in a manner we were very pleased with) and then
concurred today in one of the final actions of the Deputies at
Convention:

  * FINAL VERSION - Concurred

Resolution A129
Title: Affirm Creation and Evolution
Resolved, 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.

As the footnote indicates, the text is under review, but this is
standard procedure and I think it is very likely that it will be
published as written. This means that the Episcopal Church has now gone
on record in support of good science, recognizing that biological
evolution is good science, and supporting good science education. I also
want to add that our resolution was influenced by the resolution passed
by the Presbyterian Church USA at their General Assembly in 2002, and we
were thankful to have their text to inspire us. The present resolution
complements the earlier 1982 resolution. I am very proud to have been a
part of this effort.

Bob

Robert J. Schneider
187 Sierra Vista
Boone, NC, 28607
828-264-4071

"Science and Faith: perspectives on Christianity and science"
community.berea.edu/scienceandfaith/
"A Catechism of Creation"
www.episcopalchurch.org/science/
"Truth is born into this world only with pangs and tribulations, and
every fresh truth is received unwillingly. To expect the world to
receive a new truth, or even an old truth, without challenging it, is to
look for one of those miracles which do not occur" (from an interview of
Alfred Russell Wallace published posthumously in 1913).

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Received on Thu Jun 22 00:34:19 2006