June 2026 Newsletter
In this Clergy Letter Project update you’ll find the following 24 items:
- Free Book Offer: A Believer’s Journey Through the Stars;
- Across the Cosmos for June 2026: Astrobiology, Astrotheology, and Astroanthropology;
- Anthropic and Christian Leaders: A First-Hand Account;
- Reports of the National Center for Science Education;
- Testify;
- An Ecologist Testifies;
- The Science of Preaching;
- The Extinction of a Glacier;
- The Sacred Right to Water;
- Apply for the Scientists in Synagogues Program;
- Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence in Ministry;
- Carl Sagan on Evolution;
- What Counts as Truth;
- Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”;
- Has AI Transformed Religion?;
- Improbably Human – Impossibly Loved;
- Religion and Science Weekend 2027;
- Faith and Science in the News;
- On Artificial Intelligence and the Human Person;
- Rejecting the Separation Between Church and State;
- Protecting Evolution;
- No Place Like Home;
- Life is Short; and
- Humanoid Robot Takes Precept Vows at Buddhist Temple.
1. Free Book Offer: A Believer’s Journey Through the Stars
The Reverend Pan Conrad, a member of The Clergy Letter Project and a former NASA planetary scientist and astrobiologist, recently published a fascinating book described as a “thought-provoking guide” that “encourages you to explore the wonders of the world through both the lens of faith and the rigor of science.” Lucas Mix, an evolutionary biologist, an Episcopal priest and a member of The Clergy Letter Project, enthuses that “this book provides a grand tour of life in cosmic context. With a beautiful back-and-forth between cutting-edge science and insightful theology. Conrad invites us into the mysteries of creation and challenges us to ask for ourselves what God is doing in the world…and how we might be part of that transformation.”
Pan’s publisher has generously donated copies for me to distribute to members. If you think you’d like a free copy (paying only for postage), let me know and I’ll award a copy to every third person who requests one until all are claimed. If you aren’t lucky enough to win a free copy, you can purchase one directly from the publisher and receive a 20 percent discount for Clergy Letter Project members by using the code SPACE20 when you checkout. You can read more about the book and purchase a copy here.
2. Across the Cosmos for June 2026: Astrobiology, Astrotheology, and Astroanthropology
In this month’s installment of Across the Cosmos, Grace Wolf-Chase, Senior Scientist and Senior Education & Communication Specialist at the Planetary Science Institute as well as a Clergy Letter Project consultant, introduces us to a soon-to-be-released book on astrobiology, astrotheology, and astroanthropology in which she has a chapter. Fascinating!
I’m excited to announce the publication of a new book, A Handbook on Astrobiology, Astrotheology, and Astroanthropology, that examines a broad range of topics at the intersection of science, religion, and ethics from an equally broad range of viewpoints and perspectives. The book is edited by Carolina A. Sanz de la Feunte, an ethicist working at the intersection of computer science, philosophy, and theology; Arvin M. Gouw, who works in theology and science at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Divinity; and Ted Peters, emeritus professor at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and CLP member.
The Handbook is organized into four parts. Parts I & II explore how astronomy, astrobiology, and anthropology inform and interact with theology and ethics. Part III considers how science and religion approach the subjects of extraterrestrial intelligence and unidentified anomalous phenomena, and Part IV examines extraterrestrial life and the future of religion. I am pleased and honored to have contributed the first chapter after Ted Peters’ introduction to Part I of this book!
My chapter begins by taking a look at the history of developments in astronomy and astrobiology that impact our current understanding of the Universe, as well as the prospects for finding, and possibly communicating with, extraterrestrial life. I argue that the value we place on extraterrestrial life is apt to reflect how we value both human and nonhuman life on Earth. I ask what it might mean to become ‘conscious co-creators,’ working with, rather than attempting to dominate and control, nature. I explore how confirmation bias is likely to affect how individuals interpret the plenitude or rarity of life in the Universe. Finally, I end my chapter speculating on whether the concept of a phase transition in physics might be useful in thinking about transformations in society and envisioning a cosmic Christian eschatology.
A Handbook on Astrobiology, Astrotheology, and Astroanthropology will be available in late September through ATF Press.(1) The breadth of religious perspectives presented should make this book an invaluable resource to a wide variety of faith communities.
Until next month,
Grace
Grace Wolf-Chase (she/her/hers) (gwolfchase@gmail.com)
Senior Scientist & Senior Education & Communication Specialist, Planetary Science Institute (www.psi.edu/about/staffpage/gwchase)
Vice President, Center for Advanced Study in Religion and Science (CASIRAS: www.casiras.org)3. Anthropic and Christian Leaders: A First-Hand Account
In last month’s newsletter, I provided an article discussing a meeting between the AI company Anthropic and Christian leaders. I introduced the piece by writing, “The leaders of the AI company Anthropic want to know if AI ‘can be a child of God.’” The Rev. Greg Cootsona, a good friend of The Clergy Letter Project, sent me a note in response saying, “I was in that room at Anthropic, and though the quotation is accurate, I think the more interesting one was ‘At this point theology becomes shockingly relevant.’ If you're interested, I wrote up a reflection.” Well, I was very interested in his thoughts – and I’m certain you will be as well. You can read what Greg had to say here.
4. Reports of the National Center for Science Education
The latest issue of Reports of the National Center for Science Education is now available on-line for free. Among the many interesting articles in it is one written by Glenn Branch, a good friend of The Clergy Letter Project, which provides an examination of the treatment of evolution and climate change in state Republican party platforms. You can access the issue here.
5. Testify
Our good friends at Science for the Church published a piece that explains the value of having scientists discuss their work and faith with congregations. The piece also offers advice on how to best prepare scientists to do so. You can read the piece here.
6. An Ecologist Testifies
Following up on the previous item, Science for the Church ran an interview with Dr. Rick Lindroth, retired professor of ecology at the University of Wisconsin Madison and a member of The Clergy Letter Project’s list of scientific consultants. The interview focuses on “Lindroth’s story of relating science and faith from childhood through adulthood.” You can read the piece here.
7. The Science of Preaching
Ed Foley, Capuchin, a member of The Clergy Letter Project, is one of three guest editors of an upcoming special issue of Religions. The issue is focused on The Science of Preaching and Ed is inviting interested individuals to submit original research articles, critical theological reflections on the role of the sciences in preaching, literature reviews, and thoughtful proposals for research at the intersection of preaching and the empirical sciences. You can learn more here.
8. The Extinction of a Glacier
The Rev. Jessica Hetherington, a member of The Clergy Letter Project, has shared her reflections on the extinction of the Cerros de la Plaza glacier in northern Colombia. You can read her moving thoughts here.
9. The Sacred Right to Water
Reverend Hetherington had a second powerful essay on her blog this month that I’m sharing with you. The essay is entitled “The Sacred Right to Water” and it is introduced by a header saying, “A reflection on the ancient fountains in Rome and the modern global water crisis, with a prayer you can pray every day.” You can read the full essay here.
10. Apply for the Scientists in Synagogues Program
Our good friends at Sinai and Synapses are running another iteration of their successful Scientists in Synagogues program. The program's goal is for congregations to schedule events that bring science into congregations in a meaningful manner. Applications are now open and successful congregations will receive $5,000 to help with programming. (Full disclosure: I’m associated with this program and think that it’s great!) Hurry – application deadline is 25 June. You can learn more and apply here.
11. Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence in Ministry
The Rev. Pan Conrad, yes, THAT Pan Conrad, the one whose book was featured in the first item above, recently published a paper dealing with the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence for the ministry. It’s a fascinating paper and you can read it here.
12. Carl Sagan on Evolution
At an appearance at the National Press Club on 22 September 1988, Carl Sagan was asked whether “creation science” should be treated equal to evolution in our classrooms. He smiled and said no because there is no such thing as “creation science.” He then walked away only to return a couple of seconds later amid laughter from the audience and delivered a wonderful 2.5 minute explanation of evolution. If you haven’t seen this clip, watch it here.
13. What Counts as Truth
An interesting article was just published discussing what people consider to be truth. The article demonstrates that nothing is simple! Distressingly, "as scientific literacy goes up, so too does partisan polarization on the issue of climate change. In other words, the more science people know, the more they are able to seek out and find information justifying their beliefs." You can read the full piece here.
14. Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”
The Guardian has a very nice piece discussing Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. The article notes that “Pope Leo has denounced the ‘culture of power’ driving the rapid rise of artificial intelligence while warning that the technology must be subject to the ‘most rigorous’ ethical constraints as it infiltrates everything from work to war." You can read the article here.
15. Has AI Transformed Religion?
A recent piece published by ReligionUnplugged asked the provocative question, has AI transformed religion? While the article doesn’t answer the question, it does explore various aspects of the issue. You can read it here.
16. Improbably Human – Impossibly Loved
I’m delighted that Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd, a member of The Clergy Letter Project from the First United Methodist Church in Jamestown, North Dakota, shared a recent essay he wrote for his congregation’s newsletter.
His thoughtful essay begins: "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works;" Psalm 139:14
He goes on to say: “Each of us is a unique human being with various traits, abilities, limits, quirks, thoughts, beliefs, and convictions. Each one of us is a walking, talking miracle. In all the vastness of space, time and matter, we are improbable beings.” You’ll want to continue reading here.
17. Religion and Science Weekend 2027
It’s time to begin thinking and planning for Religion and Science Weekend 2027. Please consider this to be a first call for possible themes to structure our weekend. If you have an interesting idea, please let me know. I’ll collect all I receive and ask members to vote for their favorite in the fall.
18. Faith and Science in the News
Susan Barreto, editor of Covalence and a good friend of The Clergy Letter Project, writes the following about the latest issue of the magazine: “The news cycle continues to ramp up when it comes to politics and the economy, and yes, even science has been making headlines. It has given scholars active in religion and science more topics to consider as the research reverberates around the world and impacts pastors, congregations, and society at large. The recent events sparking dialogue are our theme for the latest issue of Covalence.” You can access the issue here.
19. On Artificial Intelligence and the Human Person
Prince-Bishop Radislav (Rutherford) I, of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and a member of The Clergy Letter Project, recently released a statement discussing the relationship between artificial intelligence and the nature of humans. His thoughtful and comprehensive statement is well worth your time. You can read it here.
20. Rejecting the Separation Between Church and State
The AP ran a story describing how a federal advisory board is rejecting the idea that there should be a separation between church and state. You can read this disturbing article here.
21. Protecting Evolution
A recent article in EMBO Reports entitled “Protecting Evolution” offers advice on “how to prepare for attacks against the teaching of evolution." It’s well worth your time and, I’m pleased to note, it cites the paper Rex Hunt and I recently published in BioScience. You can read the article here.
22. No Place Like Home
I'm delighted to say that The Rev. Ken Olson, a member of The Clergy Letter Project and a frequent contributor to this newsletter, has shared two more of his great essays with us. In this one, entitled “No Place Like Home,” he “travels” through the universe to ponder on the meaning of home and how it might bring us together. You can read his essay here.
23. Life is Short
Ken’s second essay this month is entitled “Life is Short” and his conclusion will give you a sense of the piece: “Thus, even at its longest, life is short. However, it need not be small. There are lots of ways to enlarge it. And, as always, Now is the time.” You can read his essay here.
24. Humanoid Robot Takes Precept Vows at Buddhist Temple
How far we’ve come! According to an article in BuddhistDoor Global, a humanoid robot took precept vows at a Buddhist temple in Seoul. You can read about this strange story here.
Concluding Thoughts
You may have noticed that this month’s newsletter, as well as recent ones, has a large number of items dealing with AI. My selection of items to share with you, not surprisingly, follows a very real trend in the world. Here’s what Chatgpt had to say: “A notable trend across recent religion-and-science writing is that artificial intelligence has largely supplanted evolution as the dominant topic of discussion. Many of the most widely read posts now focus on whether AI can participate in spiritual life, how religious traditions should respond to AGI, and whether emerging technologies are creating new forms of religious belief.” I hope you find the pieces I select to share to be of interest.
Finally, as I do every month, I urge you to take one simple action. Please share this month’s Newsletter with a colleague or two (or post a link via any social media platform you use) and ask them to add their voices to those promoting a deep and meaningful understanding between religion and science. They can add their signatures to one of our Clergy Letters simply by dropping me a note at mz@theclergyletterproject.org. Spread the word; change the world. Together we are making a difference.
Michael
Michael Zimmerman
Founder and Executive Director
The Clergy Letter Project
www.theclergyletterproject.org
mz@theclergyletterproject.org
https://bsky.app/profile/mzclergyletter.bsky.social