A project based at our St John’s College is launching a new five-year strategy, which includes a global research and engagement network, cross-denominational outreach, and an expanded programme of conferences and grant opportunities.
Our Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS) project has secured a £6.2million grant to encourage bishops and senior Christian leaders worldwide to engage with science.
The new funding will allow ECLAS to collaborate internationally and support science-engaged theology beyond the UK.
Now in its 10th year, ECLAS works collaboratively with the University of York and the Church of England, to strengthen dialogue between scientists and Church leaders. ECLAS’ new strategy, supported by this new funding from the John Templeton Foundation, will see the creation of a series of regional research hubs.
The ECLAS team are working to formalise relationships with four international partner hubs, to create a global community of reflection and action. Each hub will receive funds to distribute as awards for regional Scientists in Congregations and Science for Seminaries programmes.
ECLAS’ vision for the next five years is to equip more senior Church leaders around the world to engage with science and the opportunities it offers to deepen faith. This funding will build on our progress and help continue the conversation.
“We are very grateful to the John Templeton Foundation for this grant. It will allow us to build on the expertise we have built up in the last decade to support emerging hubs for science-religion research and engagement in parts of the world where this conversation hasn’t yet been explored,” said ECLAS Project Director, Revd Professor David Wilkinson.
The new grant will begin this April, following directly on from a previous grant from the Templeton Religion Trust.
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