The Bishop of Hereford was the guest speaker at the latest meeting of the Christian Union at Hereford Sixth Form College. He was billed as speaking on Theology and Science. Bishop Anthony Priddis studied science at Cambridge University before becoming a priest.

“I have an MA in Natural Sciences, particularly Bio-chemistry which was my area of specialism before I decided to become a priesthood,” said the Bishop. “I have tried to keep in touch with scientific development since then although I suspect one or two science students will be better read than I am!”

The invitation to speak at the Christian Union, which is a new group in the College, came from the Chaplain, Mike Vockins. Posters have been displayed and students from all subject areas, particularly the science are being encouraged to engage with Bishop Anthony.

Speaking to more than 80 students, Bishop Anthony spoke about how Charles Darwin’s Anniversary had been a catalyst for a renewal of the Science versus Theology debate. Rejecting any competition, he said there is absolutely no conflict between science and Christianity. “Science has developed in a Christian Europe, and has given space for scientific enquiry to develop. Christianity affirms creation and rejects ‘false spirits,” he said.

Speaking about Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, the Bishop said it was still a hypothesis and was therefore still developing as new discoveries were made. But he went on to say it was the best hypothesis available currently. He also told students that Darwin had not seen his Hypothesis of Evolution as contrary to faith but had written of it as being compatible with “deism”.

"It was great to be at the Sixth Form College again and engage with the vital question of the relationship of science and Christianity. There was a real readiness of the students to discuss and probe the issues deeper. There was an exciting buzz and energy about," said the Bishop after the meeting.

Hereford Sixth Form College regularly gains one of the highest A level points score per entry of over 100 sixth form colleges nationally and was judged to be outstanding by inspectors during the last OFSTED inspection. It has around 1500 students from all over the county.

Anni Holden, Director of Communications
The Diocesan Office, The Palace, Hereford HR4 9BL
Tel: 01432 373342 mobile 07889 186316
a.holden@hereford.anglican.org
www.hereford.anglican.org