| Resolution Number: | 2006-A129 |
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| Title: | Affirm Evolution and Science Education |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred as Amended |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the 75th General Convention affirm that God is Creator, in accordance with the witness of Scripture and the ancient Creeds of the Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the theory of evolution provides a fruitful and unifying scientific explanation for the emergence of life on earth, that many theological interpretations of origins can readily embrace an evolutionary outlook, and that an acceptance of evolution is entirely compatible with an authentic and living Christian faith; and be it further
Resolved, That Episcopalians strongly encourage state legislatures and state and local boards of education to establish standards for science education based on the best available scientific knowledge as accepted by a consensus of the scientific community; and be it further
Resolved, That Episcopal dioceses and congregations seek the assistance of scientists and science educators in understanding what constitutes reliable scientific knowledge.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 690-691. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | The Committee on Science, Technology and Faith |
|---|---|
| Originating House: | House of Bishops |
| Originating Committee: | Committee on Education |
House of Bishops
The House of Bishops Committee on Education presented its Report #6 on Resolution (Affirm Creation and Evolution) and moved adoption with amendment.
Original Text of Resolution:
(A129)
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention affirm that God is Creator, in accordance with the witness of Scripture and the ancient Creeds of the Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the theory of evolution provides a fruitful and unifying scientific explanation for the emergence of life on earth, and that an acceptance of evolution in no way diminishes the centrality of Scripture in telling the stories of the love of God for the Creation and is entirely compatible with an authentic and living Christian faith; and be it further
Resolved, That Episcopalians strongly encourage state legislatures and state and local boards of education to establish standards for science education based on the best available scientific knowledge as accepted by a consensus of the scientific community; and be it further
Resolved, That Episcopal dioceses and congregations seek the assistance of scientists and science educators in understanding what constitutes reliable scientific knowledge.
Committee Amendment:
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention affirm that God is Creator, in accordance with the witness of Scripture and the ancient Creeds of the Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the theory of evolution provides a fruitful and
unifying scientific explanation for the emergence of life on earth, that
many theological interpretations of origins can readily embrace an evolutionary
outlook, and that an acceptance of evolution is in no way
diminishes the centrality of Scripture in telling the stories of the love of
God for the Creation andentirely compatible with an authentic and
living Christian faith; and be it further
Resolved, That Episcopalians strongly encourage state legislatures and state and local boards of education to establish standards for science education based on the best available scientific knowledge as accepted by a consensus of the scientific community; and be it further
Resolved, That Episcopal dioceses and congregations seek the assistance of scientists and science educators in understanding what constitutes reliable scientific knowledge.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted with amendment
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #19)
House of Deputies
The House of Deputies Committee on Education presented its Report #7 on HB Message #19 on Resolution A129 (Affirm Creation and Evolution) and moved concurrence.
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #223)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 21.
| Report Reference: | Executive Council: Committee on Science, Technology, and Faith, Reports to the 75th General Convention, 2006, pp. 337-339. |
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| Abstract: | The 75th General Convention accepts the theory of evolution as compatible with the Christian faith and supports scientific knowledge in education. |