February 11 – 13, 2011
Across the nation, diverse congregations take part in the sixth Evolution Weekend, an annual event organized by The Clergy Letter Project.
The Clergy Letter Project, founded by Michael Zimmerman, Professor of Biology at Butler University in Indianapolis, is an educational outreach effort designed to demonstrate that religion and science can be fully compatible. It’s also an attempt to elevate the quality of debate and discussion around this issue.
More than 13,000 diverse Christian and other clergy have signed the Project’s letters that state, "the timeless truths of the Bible and the discoveries of modern science may comfortably co-exist....We urge school board members to preserve the integrity of the science curriculum by affirming the teaching of the theory of evolution as a core component of human knowledge. We ask that science remain science and that religion remain religion, two very different, but complimentary, forms of truth."
Michael Zimmerman explains, “Religious people from many diverse faith traditions and locations around the world understand that evolution is quite simply sound science; and for them, it does not in any way threaten, demean, or diminish their faith in God. In fact, for many, the wonders of science often enhance and deepen their awe and gratitude towards God.”
For the first time this year, Evolution Weekend 2011 focuses on specific environmental issues as diverse congregations explore the relationship between religion and science. Zimmerman says that religious communities have decided to focus their attention on the environment “because they recognize that information and understanding gained through scientific inquiry can be of significant help to people of faith in better understanding this wonderful planet we live on - its beauties and wonders, as well as the many environmental threats to the health of both natural and human communities. Science can thus be of assistance to religious leaders and communities, as they seek to fulfill their calling to care for the Earth, through more informed advocacy and actions.”
Once having signed up to be part of Evolution Weekend, congregations are free to choose their own individual ways of participating; sermons, discussion groups, eco-actions, etc. Zimmerman has suggested that “one truly exciting, but remarkably simple, way to participate in Evolution Weekend 2011 is to host a screening of the fabulous DVD entitled Renewal: Stories from America’s Religious Environmental Movement.”
The RENEWAL Project supports The Clergy Letter Project’s efforts to show that the vast majority of Christian and other diverse religious leaders now understand it is no longer necessary to choose between science and religion. The notion of a war between the two fields is largely a titillating illusion fostered by the media. Instead, the truth resides in the understanding that science and religion, faith and the environment, are now co-existent in peaceful compatibility.