Thank you for passing this on. A bright note of sanity in the
murky night of madness that is descending on us. Best,

D
> From the National Center for Science Education:
>
>
>
> UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST EMBRACING EVOLUTION
>
> In a new statement on faith, science, and technology from the United
Church
> of Christ, evolution is described as a matter of fact and a way in which
> God creates. Entitled "A New Voice Arising: A Pastoral Letter on Faith
> Engaging Science and Technology," the statement contains a paragraph
reading:
>
> ***
>
> Evolution helps us see our faithful God in a new way. Our creator works
> patiently, calling forth life through complex processes spanning
billions
> of years and waiting for us to awaken and respond in conscious
> participation in God's own overarching dream for all living
> things. Evolution also helps us see ourselves anew, as creatures
who share
> a common origin with other species. Today we know that human bodies and
> brains share the same genetic and biochemical processes with other
> creatures, not just mammals but insects, plants, and bacteria. How then
> should we understand ourselves as evolved creatures, sharing much of our
> DNA with other species, and at the same time as distinct creatures
in the
> image of God?
>
> ***
>
> The general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, the
> Reverend John H. Thomas, told The New York Times (January 31, 2008) that
> the statement was in part intended to counter "the creationist approach,
> the continuing caricature of the opposition of evolution and religion."
>
> According to a January 29, 2008, press release, "A New Voice Arising" is
> being distributed in February to each of the UCC's 5,700 local
churches as
> part of a new campaign aimed at the scientific and technological
> communities, intended to promote the UCC's belief that science and
religion
> are not mutually exclusive and to express the denomination's welcome to
> "persons who devote their lives to scientific inquiry, no matter the
> discipline." Included in the campaign is a pro-science poster
(PDF), with
> the motto, "For too long, science and faith have had a combustible
> relationship. But even churches evolve."
>
> For "A New Voice Arising" (PDF), visit:
> http://www.ucc.org/not-mutually-exclusive/pdfs/pastoral-letter.pdf
>
> For the story in The New York Times, visit:
> http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/us/31church.html
>
> For the UCC's press release, campaign, and poster (PDF), visit:
> http://www.ucc.org/news/seeking-an-end-to.html
> http://www.ucc.org/not-mutually-exclusive/
> http://www.ucc.org/not-mutually-exclusive/pdfs/pro-science-poster.pdf
>
> Thanks for reading! And as always, be sure to consult NCSE's web site:
> http://www.ncseweb.org
> where you can always find the latest news on evolution education and
> threats to it.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Glenn Branch
> Deputy Director
> National Center for Science Education, Inc.
> 420 40th Street, Suite 2
> Oakland, CA 94609-2509
> 510-601-7203 x305
> fax: 510-601-7204
> 800-290-6006
> branch@...
> http://www.ncseweb.org
>
> Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design Is Wrong for Our Schools
> http://www.ncseweb.org/nioc
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
>
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>
> Best, d showley
> maccabeeliberty@...
> dlshowley@...
>
> ---------------------------------
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