ELCA Hosts Consultation on Faith and Science

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is becoming more involved in ethical discussions involving science and technology, said Dr. Grace Wolf-Chase, research astronomer, Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, and research scientist, University of Chicago. "Being 'science literate' enhances the credibility of the church," said Wolf-Chase, a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Naperville, Ill.
The ELCA brought Wolf-Chase and about 20 others together for a consultation on faith and science here Jan. 25-26. They represented several scientific fields -- artificial intelligence, astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computers, electromagnetic radiation, environment, eye research, genetics, geophysics, meteorology, microbiology, nanotechnology, neuropsychology, physics, primatology, psychology and sociology.
The purpose of the consultation was to foster "a dialogue rooted in their experiences as scientists and focused on the trends, issues, dilemmas that they believe confront them and the church in an age so profoundly influenced by science and technology," said Sally A. Simmel, director for daily life ministry, ELCA Division for Ministry. The gathering was also to "elicit strategic input that will advise the wider church," she said.
"This was an amazing gathering of faithful people working in a variety of sciences and technologies," said Simmel. "While diverse in their disciplines, they identified some common themes for the church's engagement in issues and trends: education, communication, dialogue, ethics, environment, and ecumenical and interfaith relationships," she said.
The ELCA South Carolina Synod helped inspire the consultation. The synod's assembly passed a resolution calling on the ELCA to "initiate, encourage and support discussion on the role of science within the church's mission in the areas of education (both secular and religious), application of technology and more obligations of scientists, engineers and technicians."
Three ELCA divisions sponsored the gathering -- the Division for Church in Society, Division for Higher Education and Schools, and Division for Ministry -- in coordination with the ELCA's Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology. The alliance is a group of clergy and lay people interested in "assisting the ELCA carry out its mission at the intersection of faith and science."
"Your consultation this weekend is one important step in the implementation of this church's resolve to bridge what has too often been perceived as a vast chasm between science and faith," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, in written greetings to the gathering.
"I am often asked by reporters to address from the perspective of the church issues such as cloning, global warming and bio-terrorism," said Hanson. "As a parish pastor of a university congregation, I was struck by how often students would ask whether they could belong to a community of faith without setting aside their knowledge as a physicist, geologist or biochemist. How rich were our discussions on cosmology, ethics, healing and scripture because of their probing minds," he said.
Many participants expressed the need for the ELCA's clergy and laity to learn more about current scientific and technological trends. Some looked to the church for help in talking about their faith with other scientists.
"The loudest voices in science" tend to present it from an atheistic viewpoint, said Wolf-Chase, and the country's most prominent Christians portray science as the enemy. Scientists who have no problem practicing their vocations and their faith are rarely heard, she said.
"We tend to think of science, of the universe, of nature as an expression of the personality of God. One way of approaching God is to become better acquainted with that personality. Science is one expression of that," said Wolf-Chase. Scientific research is "an aspect of reality, and it's an aspect of human curiosity," she added.
Through a series of plenary and small group discussions, participants shared their opinions and experiences regarding science, technology and faith. A dozen churchwide staff and other observers took notes.
"I found myself greatly encouraged by the wonderful gifts and insights of the scientists who were present and by their obvious commitment to bring their gifts and insights to the church's conversation and mission," said the Rev. Marcus C. Lohrmann, bishop of the ELCA's Northwestern Ohio Synod, Findlay.
"Many within the church have been suspicious of science and scientists, perhaps feeling that the work of the scientist erodes faith commitment. Many scientists have not always felt welcomed in the church and have not been given opportunity to utilize their insights within the Christian community," he said.
"I hope that on the local, national and global levels we will do a much better job of engaging in dialogue so that our faith, our daily work and our participation in God's mission to the world will be enriched," said Lohrmann.
"This is perhaps the most important conversation going on in the church," said the Rev. Joseph M. Wagner, executive director of the ELCA Division for Ministry. "It links the key content of the faith with the people who articulate the key nature of the culture."
Peter S.J. McKinney, systems administrator, Engineering Systems, Steelcase, Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich., said he appreciated the opportunity to meet other Lutherans with similar interests. "We are getting to a better understanding in the church about the faith and sciences. My hope for the future is that we continue to have consultations on this subject and that the church continues to keep this topic a priority," he said. McKinney is a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, Kentwood, Mich.
Participants referred many times to a global consultation, "The New Scientific-technological World: What Difference Does it Make for the Churches," sponsored with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in November 1987 on Cyprus. Some recommended another consultation on that scale. The ELCA is one of the 133 member churches of the LWF, which represents more than 60.5 million of the world's 64.3 million Lutherans.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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