Devon churches receive funding for science projects

The two churches are among 14 to benefit nationally

Two churches in Devon have been chosen to receive a share of a £70,000 grant awarded by the Scientists in Congregations scheme.

Its aim is to improve understanding of science and faith.

The ‘Our Fragile Earth’ project organised by Sidmouth’s Anglican churches includes lectures and discussion groups associated with the Sidmouth Science Festival.

The Festival’s theme for 2019 is ‘Science in our Lives’ and takes place from Friday 4 October to Sunday 13 October.

The Revd David Caporn, Team Vicar for the Sid Valley Mission Community, said: “Scientific research is showing us the impact we are having on the world of which we are all called to be custodians.

“We hope that this exciting series of events will help us explore the extent of this impact and challenge our choices as individuals and communities.”

The ‘Science and Sacraments’ project, based at St Thomas Church in Exeter, has also received funding.

It organises visits to local centres of scientific research including Exeter’s Met Office.

The Revd Dr David Nixon, Team Rector of St Thomas, said: “We want to make science and sacraments exciting again, and build bridges between the world of science and the world of our congregation and parishioners.”

The Scientists in Congregations scheme will provide a year of funding for the new projects with a view to them building on existing links between church leaders and science specialists in their congregations.

Their expertise can range physics, chemistry and biology to medicine, psychology and social science approaches to questions of human nature, culture and theology.

The two Devon projects are among 14 to benefit nationally.