November 22, 2006

Eighty years after the trial of John Scopes, much public discourse continues to portray evolution and religion as incompatible. Recently elected members of local school boards are for or against evolution. Courtroom proceedings in Dover, Pennsylvania, considering the constitutionality of "intelligent design" have recently concluded. The Kansas State School Board declared evolution "flawed science" at the same time that a new evolution exhibit opened at the Kansas University Natural History Museum. Newspapers from Maine to California opine on the controversy.

Since its publication earlier this year, the "Catechism of Creation," produced by the Episcopal Church's Committee on Science, Technology and Faith, has countered the "conflict" view for Episcopalians, and been a key resource for church members who know they do not have to choose between Christianity and good science.

Using the Catechism of Creation, parish adult classes and forums have explored the dialogue between science and religion.

Members of the Committee have offered related workshops at the Episcopal Youth Event, the conference of the North American Association for the Diaconate, and the recent Via Media gathering.

When children report dealing with classmates who assume the rejection of evolution is part of being a Christian, parents turn to the Catechism of Creation for perspective.

Read and download "A Catechism of Creation: An Episcopal Understanding," at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/science/.

Or order printed copies, priced at $5 each, from Episcopal Books and Resources, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017, 800.903.5544, http://www.episcopalbookstore.org/.

Episcopal News Service