I'm not sure if it has been mentioned yet, but the Clergy Letter Project deserved a citation: http://www.theclergyletterproject.org/
Quoting from the site- "Background For too long, the misperception that science and religion are inevitably in conflict has created unnecessary division and confusion, especially concerning the teaching of evolution. I wanted to let the public know that numerous clergy from most denominations have tremendous respect for evolutionary theory and have embraced it as a core component of human knowledge, fully harmonious with religious faith. In the fall of 2004, I worked with clergy throughout Wisconsin to prepare a statement in support of teaching evolution. We were called to action by a series of anti-evolution policies passed by the school board in Grantsburg, WI. The response was overwhelming. In a few weeks, nearly 200 clergy signed the statement, which we sent to the Grantsburg school board on December 16, 2004. Additionally, groups of educators and scientists sent letters to the Grantsburg School Board and to the Superintendent of Schools protesting these policies. In response to all of this attention, as well as the efforts of others, the Grantsburg School Board retracted their policies. The outpouring of support from clergy around the country encouraged me to make this a nationwide project. If you want to read more about it or join us in sharing this important perspective, click here. Encourage your clergy to consider signing the statement and please feel free to link to these webpages. The Clergy Letter Project has also sponsored annual Evolution Weekend events. These events provide an opportunity for congregations around the world to come together, in the way each feels most comfortable, to discuss the compatibility of religion and science. By doing so, we are educating thousands and elevating the world-wide discussion of this important topic. If your congregation would like to participate in an Evolution Weekend event, please contact me. Most recently, The Clergy Letter Project has created a data base of scientists interested in working with clergy members to answer questions about all aspects of evolution. To view this growing list, click here (If you are a scientist and would like to be added to our data base, please send me a note.) Sincerely, Michael Zimmerman Founder and Executive Director The Clergy Letter Project Send your comments to me at [email protected] " --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2015 23:36:12 -0700 From: Warren Aney <[email protected]> Subject: Re: teaching evolution in ecology courses Good discussion! My first encounter with this religious/evolution conflict was in high school many decades ago. ..... And evolution is not a "belief" -- it's a little weak to say "I believe in evolution" when evolution is a scientific theory that explains, describes and predicts biological development. We don't say "I believe in calculus" but, even if we don't fully comprehend it, we know that it provides useful tools and methods for turning numerical information into reliable facts. Warren W. Aney Senior Wildlife Ecologist 9403 SW 74th Ave. Tigard, OR 97223 (503) 539-1009 [email protected] End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 5 Jul 2015 to 6 Jul 2015 (#2015-186) *************************************************************
