Pope Francis, in a speech given at a Pontifical Academy of Sciences, has declared his support of evolution as the scientific explanation of the origin of man. Following on the statements of his recent predecessors, it seems that the Catholic position is now firm.
What is the position of the Episcopal Church on this issue?
In 2006, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church affirmed its support for the theory of evolution, resolving by Resolution 2006-A129:
That God is Creator, in accordance with the witness of Scripture and the ancient Creeds of the Church; and
That the theory of evolution provides a fruitful and unifying scientific explanation for the emergence of life on earth, that many theological interpretations of origins can readily embrace an evolutionary outlook, and that an acceptance of evolution is entirely compatible with an authentic and living Christian faith; and
That Episcopalians strongly encourage state legislatures and state and local boards of education to establish standards for science education based on the best available scientific knowledge as accepted by a consensus of the scientific community; and
That Episcopal dioceses and congregations seek the assistance of scientists and science educators in understanding what constitutes reliable scientific knowledge.
