The Anglican Communion Science Commission

OUR MANDATE

Bridging Faith and Science for God’s World

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.

Formally launched at the Lambeth Conference in 2022, the Commission serves as a vital bridge between the Church and the scientific community. The commission equips Anglican churches to engage confidently with scientific developments, from artificial intelligence to the climate crisis, bringing the ethical voice of faith into the centre of global scientific discovery.

OUR focus

Science and Faith for Enriching Human Life

The commission believes that the Church cannot be a bystander in an age defined by scientific acceleration. It works to equip Anglicans to think courageously and act effectively, recognising that scientific inquiry is not a competitor to divine revelation, but a partner in the faithful stewardship of creation.

The Commission works to dismantle the perceived divide between faith and science. By mobilising a global coalition of scientists, theologians, and bishops, we aim to:

  • Enrich Human Life: Using science to address urgent needs such as health equity and disease prevention.
  • Protect the Planet: Combining scientific rigour with theological stewardship to combat the climate crisis.
  • Guide Innovation: Offering ethical wisdom to the rapid development of technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

Funding for young science and faith leaders

The Science Commission has set up a new grant scheme for young people who want to engage with science and faith in their local context.

Grants are for projects showing how science and faith can be partners in tackling the great challenges of our time, in areas like the environment, health care, or technologies such as AI.

In a fast-changing world, shaped by rapid developments in science and technology, the Science Commission hopes it will invest in the leadership and capabilities of the next generation.

The funding has been made possible with funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation.

If the form does not work for you, copy and use this email address: science-commission@anglicancommunion.org.

Fellowship of Anglican Young Science Enthusiasts - Youth Grant Scheme

Strategic Priorities

The commission’s work is organised around four strategic pillars, designed to move the Communion from discussion to practical action.

The Commission brings together representatives from different regions of the Communion to ensure a truly global perspective. These distinguished scientists, bishops, and theologians collaborate to lead this vital conversation.

  • The Revd Professor Kwamena SagoeCo Chair · West Africa - Head of Virology, University of Ghana
  • The Rt Revd Dr Matt BrainCo Chair · Australia - Bishop of Bendigo
  • Professor Andrew BriggsMember · Church of England - Commission Project Director, Oxford
  • The Most Revd Linda NichollsMember · Canada - Retired Archbishop
  • The Rt Revd Dr Emily OnyangoMember · Kenya - Retired Assistant Bishop of Bondo
  • The Rt Revd Dr Richard CheethamMember · Church of England - Co-Director of ECLAS
  • Revd Canon Professor Jennifer StrawbridgeMember · Church of England - Oxford graduate studies and New Testament/Early Christian Studies professor
  • The Rt Revd Dr Renta NishiharaMember · Nippon Sei Ko Kai - Bishop of Chubu; President of Rikkyo
  • Dr Heather PayneMember · Church in Wales - Chief Medical Adviser, Welsh Government
  • Professor Gustavo AssiMember · Brazil - Associate Professor of Naval Architecture/Ocean Engineering, Sao Paulo
  • Dr Santa J. OnoMember · Canada-USA - Global President, Ellison Institute Oxford
  • The Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph GalgaloConsultant · Kenya - Provincial Secretary and Assistant Bishop, All Saints
  • The Revd Canon Dr Stephen SpencerConsultant · ACO - Director of Theology and Implementation
  • Eamonn MullallyConsultant · Church of England - Bishops' Spouses Conference representative
  • The Revd Dr Muthuraj SwamyConsultant · Church of England - ECLAS facilitator and researcher
  • Agnes LamConsultant · Hong Kong - Youth Network representative
  • The Rt Revd Andrew DoyleConsultant · The Episcopal Church - Bishop of Texas; AI/IP task force chair

Provincial Lead Science Bishops help connect the Commission’s work with provinces across the Anglican Communion. Holding this role does not by itself make someone a member of the Science Commission.

  • The Rt Revd Dr Dickson Daud ChilonganiLead Science Bishop · Tanzania - Central Tanganyika
  • The Rt Revd Luke PretoriusLead Science Bishop · Southern Africa - St Mark the Evangelist
  • The Most Revd Dr K. Reuben MarkLead Science Bishop · South India - Moderator and Bishop in Karimnagar
  • The Most Revd Brian WilliamsLead Science Bishop · South America - Primate and Bishop of Argentina
  • The Rt Revd Dr Ian EllisLead Science Bishop · Ireland - Clogher
  • The Rt Revd Evariste NijimbereLead Science Bishop · Burundi - Buhiga
  • The Rt Revd Hilary Ayban Pasikan, JrLead Science Bishop · Philippines - Northern Luzon
  • The Rt Revd Sérgio BamboLead Science Bishop · Mozambique and Angola - Tete Missionary Diocese
  • The Rt Revd Nicholas KniselyLead Science Bishop · The Episcopal Church - Rhode Island
  • The Rt Revd Ross BayLead Science Bishop · Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia - Auckland
  • The Rt Revd Garth MinottLead Science Bishop · West Indies - Kingston
  • The Revd Canon Dr Pervaiz SultanLead Science Bishop · Pakistan - Canon Theologian, Raiwind
  • The Rt Revd Kwame Kyem-AmpomahLead Science Bishop · West Africa - Wiawso
  • The Rt Revd Mary StallardLead Science Bishop · Wales - Llandaff
  • The Rt Revd Titus Ho-Wook KimLead Science Bishop · Korea - Daejeon
  • The Most Revd Enrique Treviño CruzLead Science Bishop · Mexico - Cuernavaca
  • The Most Revd Juan David Alvarado MelgarLead Science Bishop · Central America - Primate of IARCA and Bishop of El Salvador
  • The Most Revd Gregory Kerr-WilsonLead Science Bishop · Canada - Archbishop of Calgary and Metropolitan of the Northern Lights
  • The Rt Revd Shourabh PholiaLead Science Bishop · Bangladesh - Barisal
  • The Rt Revd Osiward MapikaLead Science Bishop · Central Africa - Masvingo
  • The Rt Revd Reginald MakeleLead Science Bishop · Papua New Guinea - New Guinea Islands
  • The Rt Revd Francisco De Assis Da SilvaLead Science Bishop · Brazil - Sul Ocidental
  • The Most Revd Dr Samy ShehataLead Science Bishop · Alexandria - Primate
  • The Rt Revd Anthony LingLead Science Bishop · Melanesia - Banks and Torres
  • The Rt Revd Dr Timothy KwokLead Science Bishop · Hong Kong - Eastern Kowloon
  • The Rt Revd David RailtonLead Science Bishop · Scottish Episcopal Church - Argyll and The Isles
  • The Rt Revd Dr Anderson JeremiahLead Science Bishop · Church of England, Canterbury - Edmonton
  • The Revd Dr Jill DuffLead Science Bishop · Church of England, York - Lancaster
  • The Rt Revd Dr Matt BrainLead Science Bishop · Australia - Bendigo

Thought Leadership and Training

Building a global network of “Lead Science Bishops” and equipping clergy and laity with the tools to understand the intersection of faith and science. The goal is to replace fear or scepticism with informed, confident engagement.

Key Partner: Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS).

Faith Development

Promoting the understanding of science as a God-given resource. Integrating scientific knowledge into the devotional life of the Church deepens our awe of the Creator and enhances our worship. Encouraging Anglicans to see the study of the natural world as a form of doxology—honouring God through understanding His creation.

Wisdom and Ethics

As scientific capabilities expand, the Church must ask not just “can we?” but “should we?” The commission brings Christian ethical wisdom into the public square, addressing complex questions about the role of technology in society. A key focus is Artificial Intelligence, urging the Church to “think courageously” to ensure technology genuinely serves the needs of humanity.

People and Planet

Facilitating collaboration between faith and science communities to respond to global crises. Whether leveraging church networks to combat malaria and health inequality, or advocating for climate justice, we are committed to tangible outcomes that alleviate suffering and safeguard the earth.

Key Resources:

Find our helpful materials designed to support informed theological conversations about science and technology.

Latest News:

Discover recent stories exploring the intersection of faith, science, and the global Church.

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