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.

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 Rt Revd Steven CroftCo Chair · Bishop of Oxford
  • The Revd Professor Kwamena SagoeCo Chair · Head of Virology at the University of Ghana’s Department of Medical Microbiology
  • The Most Revd Dr Antje JackelénMember · retired Archbishop of Uppsala and Primate of the Church of Sweden
  • The Most Revd Linda NichollsMember · Anglican Church of Canada
  • The Rt Revd Dr Emily OnyangoMember · Kenya
  • The Rt Revd Dr Richard CheethamMember · Co-Director of ECLAS (Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science)
  • Professor Gustavo AssiMember · Brazil
  • Dr Santa J. OnoMember · University of Michigan
  • Revd Canon Professor Jennifer StrawbridgeMember · UK
  • Dr Heather PayneMember · UK
  • Professor Andrew BriggsMember · University of Oxford and director of the Anglican Communion Science Commission Project
  • The Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph GalgaloConsultant · Kenya
  • The Revd Canon Dr Stephen SpencerConsultant · London
  • Eamonn MullallyConsultant · representative of the Bishops’ Spouses Conference within the Lambeth Conference 2022
  • Agnes LamConsultant · Anglican Communion Youth Network Representative
  • The Most Revd Gregory Kerr-WilsonMember · The Anglican Church of Canada
  • The Most Revd Brian WilliamsMember · Bishop of Argentina and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of South America
  • The Rt Revd Nicholas KniselyMember · The Episcopal Church
  • The Rt Revd Dickson ChilonganiMember · The Anglican Church of Tanzania
  • The Rt Revd Shourabh PholiaMember · The Church of Bangladesh
  • The Rt Revd Matt BrainMember · The Anglican Church of Australia
  • The Most Revd Enrique Treviño CruzMember · Primate of Mexico and Bishop of Cuernavaca
  • The Most Revd Philip WrightMember · Church of the Province of the West Indies
  • Rt Revd Dr Jill DuffMember · Province of York, Church of England
  • Rt Revd Dr Andreeson JeremiahMember · Province of Canterbury, Church of England
  • The Rt Revd Luke PretoriusMember · Anglican Church of Southern Africa
  • The Right Revd Evariste NijimbereMember · Anglican Church of Burundi
  • The Rt Revd Hilary Ayban Pasikan, JrMember · Episcopal Church in the Philippines
  • The Rt Revd Osiward MapikaMember · The Church of the Province of Central Africa
  • The Most Revd Juan David Alvarado MelgarMember · Archbishop of Central America
  • The Revd Canon Dr Pervaiz SultanMember · Church of Pakistan

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.

Anglican community

Get involved

Join the global community. Sign up for updates from the Anglican Communion office about Anglican news, resources, advocacy campaigns, ecumenical dialogues and more.

Subscribe to the ACO’s Newsletter