ECLAS science-faith project secures £6m grant

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.

Strengthening dialogue

Now in its 10^th 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.

International collaboration

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.

A vision for the future

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.

Find out more

• Read more about the ECLAS project
• Learn more about St John’s College
• Interested in studying at Durham? Explore our undergraduate and postgraduate courses

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