In September 2026 we are welcoming a global audience to St John’s College, Durham, to share insights and practice of context-based science-engaged theology.

The programme takes place over several days (19-22 September), with three different areas of focus.

Science-Engaged Theology in Global Contexts (19-21)

Science-engaged theology has grown significantly in recent decades, yet much of the scholarship continues to be shaped by Western, Anglophone perspectives, while the rich theologies of other global contexts remain under-represented. ECLAS is developing a genuinely global approach to science-engaged theology by exploring how Christian communities in different cultural, historical and geographical contexts contribute to theological education, church leadership and public engagement. With a growing network of international scholars and practitioners, ECLAS is helping to shape theology and education for ministry around the world.

At this conference, we hope you will connect with both familiar and unfamiliar colleagues. All delegates are invited to contribute their own experiences, engage in discussion, help to shape emerging research questions, and join an international and ecumenical conversation on theology, science and Christian leadership.

Speakers include Revd Prof David Wilkinson, Dr Molly Manyonganaise, Revd Prof Mark Harris, Revd Prof Diphus Chemorion, Revd Prof Piotr Roszak, Revd Prof Sam Law, Prof Israel David, Prof Loreen Maseno, Dr Lai Pak-Wah, Chubakumla Jamir, and Prof Amos Yong.

 

Workshop on Global Theological Education (19-20)

Where can we turn with hard ethical questions about science and technology – issues like when to use AI, gene therapy, and drones? Pastors are frequently silent, lacking the relevant information, but they need not be.

Since 2020, ECLAS has contributed over £1,100,000 to 31 colleges and universities around the world and across the theological spectrum. Engaging with science and scientists in education for ministry (classes like Bible, Preaching, and Pastoral Care), these projects normalise positive interactions and teach future ministers how to reach out for the answers they need. Science has become a recognised part of formation in UK seminaries and a growing point of interest in at least 10 other countries. Pastors are learning to recognise and include scientists within their communities and reach out to those outside.

This portion of the conference is devoted to reflecting on these projects and planning for the future. We will hear from Science for Seminaries leaders and participants including Revd Dr Lucas Mix, Revd Dr Katy Hinman, Revd Dr Simo Frestadius, Revd Dr Tomasz Huzarek, Dr Atola Longkumer, Paul Ruto, Dr Arlina Wiguna, Dr Sutrisna Harjanto, and Susan Wanja. 

 

Science, Technology, and the Church’s Voice in a Polarised and Populist Age (21-22)

Questions of authority and trust, alongside growing social and political polarisation, are increasingly shaping public debate. These dynamics vary across different contexts, but they affect how scientific expertise and technological innovation are understood and received, as well as how scientists and technologists exercise responsibility and leadership in public life.

Science, Technology, and the Church’s Voice in a Polarised and Populist Age brings together church leaders, scientists and technologists, theologians, academics, educators and policy specialists from the UK and internationally. Across two days, we will explore how wider social and political changes are being experienced within different areas of science and technology, and what this changing landscape asks of churches and church leaders engaging with these fields.

Keynote speaker: Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu DBE, FMedSci.

Other speakers: Prof Jane Macnaughton, Prof Boguslaw Obara, Prof Maria Burke, Dame Sue Ion, Prof Piotr Roszak, Prof Sam Law, Prof Israel David, Prof Diphus Chemorion, Bishop David Walker, Bishop Jill Duff, Revd Dr Malcolm Brown, Dr Sam Tranter, Prof Amos Yong, Dr Molly Manyonganise, Chubakumla Jamir, Prof Radosław Sojak, and Dr Arlina Wiguna.

For further details of this section of the conference, see this page.

Attendance

Attendance at the conference is free to invited participants, and accommodation and all meals are provided.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Judith Harbinson: eclas.conferences@durham.ac.uk