Anglican Communion Science Commission

Formally launched at the Lambeth Conference in 2022, the Anglican Communion Science Commission (ACSC) exists to celebrate science as a God-given resource and to promote collaboration between faith and science communities for the betterment of people and the planet. 

The ACSC serves as a bridge between the Church and the scientific community, equipping Anglican churches to engage confidently with scientific developments and contribute to addressing the pressing ethical, social, and environmental challenges of our time. Co-chaired by the Revd Prof Kwamena Sagoe and Bishop Steven Croft, and coordinated by Professor Andrew Briggs (Oxford University) and the Revd Dr Stephen Spencer, the ACSC draws on the wisdom and expertise of Anglicans worldwide.

Mission and Priorities

The ACSC aims to inspire courageous and informed engagement with science, focusing on four key priorities:

1. Thought Leadership and Training
   Inspiring confident and thoughtful engagement with scientific issues in church communities globally, equipping Anglicans to explore and understand the intersection of faith and science.
2. Faith Development
   Embracing science as a God-given resource that deepens faith and enhances appreciation for God’s creation.
3. Wisdom and Ethics
   Bringing the ethical and moral wisdom of the Christian faith into scientific debates, addressing complex questions about the role of technology and innovation in society.
4. People and Planet
   Promoting collaboration between faith and science communities to respond effectively to global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and public health crises.

Faith and Science at the Lambeth Conference

Faith and science were major themes at the 2022 Lambeth Conference, where bishops and church leaders explored the vital question: "Why Should the Church Care About Science?" 

Through a series of thought-provoking videos titled ‘Talking About Science and Faith,’ the ACSC highlights conversations about the relationship between faith and science, addressing how the Church can engage with scientific advancements while upholding Christian ethics and values. Watch the video series here. 

Partnership with ECLAS

The ACSC works in close partnership with the ECLAS project (Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science), which has pioneered initiatives connecting faith and science in the UK, North America, and beyond. ECLAS brings years of experience in working with bishops and senior Church leaders, facilitating dozens of science-based projects in churches. Learn more about ECLAS here. 

Why Should the Church Care About Science?

Science and technology play a transformative role in shaping our world, driving progress in areas such as medicine, communications, artificial intelligence, and environmental conservation. However, these advancements also raise significant ethical questions, including:

• How can we manage privacy in a data-driven world?
• How can we protect the Earth’s resources from industrialisation's impact?
• What are the social and economic implications of artificial intelligence? 

Across the Anglican Communion, millions of Christians work in science and technology fields, contributing to innovations that address global challenges such as poverty, disease prevention, and climate change. By engaging with science, the Church can:

• Be informed by scientific knowledge to better serve communities.
• Collaborate with the scientific community to address global needs.
• Bring the ethical voice of faith into debates about the future of humanity and the planet. 

In a world increasingly shaped by science and technology, the ACSC is committed to ensuring that Anglican churches remain at the forefront of these conversations, fostering partnerships that reflect God’s love for creation and the flourishing of all people.