They will open dialogue on issues that cross the boundaries of science and theology at a workshop, Creation and Complexity: Interdisciplinary Issues in Science and Religion, to be opened by the Governor General His Excellency the Right Reverend Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE.

The event is hosted by St Mark’s National Theological Centre, Canberra, in association with the School of Theology at Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Flinders Centre for Theology, Science and Culture, Adelaide. About 100 scientists and theologians from universities and colleges from across Australia and overseas will discuss issues ranging from biology – including genetics and stem cell research – to ethics, cosmology, philosophy and theologies of creation.

Workshop convenor, Associate Professor Stephen Pickard, Head of CSU’s School of Theology and Director of St Mark’s National Theological Centre, said the theme will focus discussion on exploring both the scientific and theological implications of complexity in creation. 

Speakers include Research Professor in Science and Theology from the University of Aarhus, Denmark, Niels Henrik Gregersen; Founder and Director of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Berkeley, USA, Robert Russell; Member of the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research, University of Waikato, New Zealand, Carolyn King; and Associate Director, Centre for Christian Communication, St John’s College, University of Durham, UK, David Wilkinson.

One of a series of workshops funded by the Center for Theology and Natural Sciences in California, United States, with a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, it is part of the Center’s science and religion course program that encourages the development of courses in science and religion.

Charles Sturt University, a leader in theological education in Australia, continues to develop as a major centre for theological education and biblical research and works closely with the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.