The global ecumenical science-faith engagement project Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS) has partnered with the Anglican Communion Office (ACO) to support and enrich the work of the Anglican Communion Science Commission (ACSC).
Revd Dr Muthuraj Swamy, Director of the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide (CCCW), will act as ECLAS Theological Facilitator and Researcher within the Anglican Communion Office, and explore how ECLAS research, projects and resources can further the work of the ACSC. He will also engage with ACSC Provincial Lead Bishops on Science and Faith, supporting them to reflect on their roles and activities. Revd Dr Swamy will fulfil this role one day a week, alongside his work with the CCCW.
The Anglican Communion Science Commission exists to celebrate science as a God-given resource and to promote collaboration between faith and science communities for the betterment of people and planet. It equips Anglican churches to engage with scientific developments and ethical debate.
Revd Dr Swamy has already been working with ECLAS as a research consultant, helping to investigate how context affects how senior Christian leaders engage with science. ECLAS has been leading research into Christian leaders’ attitudes to science for more than a decade, alongside awards programs for churches and theological colleges and providing support for the Church of England’s policy and influencing work.
Revd Dr Swamy earned his PhD at the University of Edinburgh and moved to Cambridge in 2018. He previously worked as Associate Professor, Dean of Theology, and Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Union Biblical Seminary (Serampore University) in India, where he pioneered courses in science and theology. As CCCW Director, Revd Dr Swamy teaches in the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge, and in the Cambridge Theological Federation.
ECLAS Project Director Revd Prof David Wilkinson signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Office, on Tuesday 8 April to formalise the partnership.
David said: “This is an exciting partnership for ECLAS with the global Anglican Communion in supporting the wonderful initiative of the Anglican Communion Science Commission. In Dr Swamy we have the ideal person to bring theological depth and passion to engage with the big questions of science, and the wisdom and experience to see how different contexts enrich the conversation.”
The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Spencer leads the theological education initiative for the Anglican Communion and is based at the Anglican Communion Office. He said: “Muthuraj’s contribution will take forward the science and faith initiative across the Anglican Communion. I am looking forward to seeing how the Provincial Lead Science bishops will be further resourced in what they are doing. It is really encouraging to see this partnership between ECLAS and the Science Commission through the ACO.”
Revd Dr Swamy said: “Christian engagement with science in different global contexts is part of understanding what World Christianity is, and I admire the work ECLAS and ACSC are doing in this area. I am delighted about this new partnership to strengthen this engagement in the Anglican Communion worldwide, especially among the senior church leaders. I look forward to working in this new role to learn about how Christians engage with science in different global contexts and what we can learn from each other so that we can work together in the service of God’s kingdom.”
Also in attendance were the Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham, ECLAS Co-Director for Global Engagement, and Revd Dr Kathryn Pritchard, ECLAS Co-Director, Director of Public Engagement and Research Fellow.