March 2026 Newsletter
In this Clergy Letter Project update you’ll find the following 24 items:
- Sermons for Religion and Science Weekend 2026;
- Across the Cosmos for March 2026: When Science Meets Art;
- The Interfaith Clergy Letter Needs Your Signature;
- Good News on the Creationism Front in Arizona;
- Catholic Bishops on Detention Centers;
- Faith Networks Building Safety Net for Immigrants Released from Detention;
- Haven Watch Supports Immigrants;
- Pope Leo XIV on Iran;
- The World Council of Churches on Climate Justice Action;
- How Common is Creationism?;
- Christian Nationalist to Preach at Pentagon;
- James Talarico Discusses Christian Nationalism with Stephen Colbert;
- IRAS Summer Conference;
- Rabbis Protest ICE;
- Faith in Place Denounces EPA Rule;
- Grace Wolf-Chase on Importance of Public Involvement in Science;
- ICE Targets Clergy of Color;
- On Anti-Intellectualism;
- A New Virus: Christian Nationalism;
- Celebrating Religion and Science in Antarctica;
- Evolution Under Attack in New Jersey;
- Protecting Evolution Education;
- Test Your Knowledge About Darwin; and
- Why the Conversation Matters.
1. Sermons for Religion and Science Weekend 2026
A big thank you to all who participated in Religion and Science Weekend 2026. If you participated but notice that you’re not present on your list of participants, please drop me a note and I’ll get you listed. Similarly, thank you to all who shared their 2026 sermons with me. If you delivered a sermon touching on a pertinent topic, please send it to me and I’ll add it to our growing list of sermons so others can make use of it in the future. Again, thank you to all who participated.
2. Across the Cosmos for March 2026: When Science Meets Art
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, discusses the work of Bill Hartmann, a scientist and an artist.
Some of you may recognize the title of this month’s column as a play on the title of the book When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers, or Partners?, written by the late Ian Barbour, science and religion pioneer and winner of the 1999 Templeton Prize.(1) I’m sure many of you reading this column fall somewhere into the “partners” category. This month, I’d like to briefly highlight another partnership, through the work of a scientist whose career has been devoted to integrating science and art in many creative ways, to the benefit of public as well as academic audiences.
Five decades ago, when I was an undergraduate at Cornell University, my astronomy professor used the first edition of the book Moons and Planets, written by William Hartmann(2) in a course about our Solar System. What I did not know at the time was that Bill Hartmann is a planetary scientist and an exceptionally talented artist,(3) who has inspired the imagination of many through his paintings of other worlds and space exploration. In 1998, Hartmann was the first winner of the Carl Sagan Medal of the American Astronomical Society’s Division of Planetary Sciences for communication of science to the public.(4)
Hartmann is now a Senior Scientist Emeritus at the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) in Tucson, AZ, which houses the largest collection of his space art. The William K. Hartmann Art Collection will open during a FREE public event from 11 am - 3 pm (AZ time) on March 29, 2026 – details about the event and location are on the website.(5) The collection spans more than 60 years of art that depicts much of the history of space exploration. I encourage any of you who might be in or near Tucson to attend – I wish I could be there! Hartmann’s artwork is also featured on a new PSI Calendar and available in signed prints for those who join Planetary Partners(6) at given membership levels.
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)1. https://www.templetonprize.org/laureate/ian-graeme-barbour/
2. https://www.psi.edu/staff/profile/william-hartmann/
3. https://hartmann-legacy.psi.edu/
4. https://dps.aas.org/prizes/sagan/
5. https://www.psi.edu/hartmann-collection/
6. https://www.psi.edu/planetary-partners/
3. The Interfaith Clergy Letter Needs Your Signature
Our new Interfaith Clergy Letter focusing on the importance of truth for religion, for science and for society has been collecting signatures for a short period. It already has 100 signatures from clergy representing 13 countries. Are you included? If not, please drop me a note and I’ll proudly add you to our growing list.
_____ Yes, please add my name to the Interfaith Clergy Letter.
Name of Congregation (or other entity)(Optional):
Location:
Your Name:
4. Good News on the Creationism Front in Arizona
A bill recently introduced in the Arizona senate mandating that intelligent design be taught whenever evolution was taught died in committee. That’s very good news but the fact that legislators keep attempting to bring religion into the science curriculum is troubling. You can read more about the Arizona situation here.
5. Catholic Bishops on Detention Centers
Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, issued a statement about the US government’s plan to build “mega-detention centers" to house immigrants. He said, in part, “The thought of holding thousands of families in massive warehouses should challenge the conscience of every American. Whatever their immigration status, these are human beings created in the image and likeness of God, and this is a moral inflection point for our country. We implore the Administration and Congress to lead with right reason, abandon this misuse of taxpayer funds, and to instead pursue a more just approach to immigration enforcement that truly respects human dignity, the sanctity of families, and religious liberty.” You can read more about the WSCCB’s position here.
6. Faith Networks Building Safety Net for Immigrants Released from Detention
Religion News Service published a story about how faith networks are building a safety net for immigrants who have been released from detention. You can read the piece here.
7. Haven Watch Supports Immigrants
Haven Watch, an organization created to empower communities by providing essential resources and support, “was formed after witnessing firsthand what happens when people are released from ICE detention centers in Minnesota, often traumatized, without phones, IDs, transportation, or even proper clothing in extreme cold.” Their motto is “No One Walks Alone.” I dare you to watch this 18 second video of detainees being greeted by volunteers without tears coming to your eyes.
8. Pope Leo XIV on Iran
Vatican News published a short piece detailing comments made by Pope Leo XIV as the attack on Iran began. He said, in part, “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.” You can read more here.
9. The World Council of Churches on Climate Justice Action
The Rev. Jessica Hetherington, a member of The Clergy Letter Project, helped draft a document calling for the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action for the World Council of Churches Commission on Climate Justice. You can read more about the statement on Jessica’s blog here.
10. How Common is Creationism?
Rabbi Daniel Swartz, a member of The Clergy Letter Project, brought an interesting blog post to my attention. The author, citing data collected as part of the Pew Religious Landscape Survey, argues that “creationism isn’t as common as you think.” That would be very good news except for the fact that the author seems to think that intelligent design isn’t a form of creationism. Oy vey! You can read his post here.
11. Christian Nationalist to Preach at Pentagon
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has invited a Christian Nationalist to preach at the Pentagon. The subhead of an article in The Washington Post explaining the situation succinctly describes the beliefs of Pastor Doug Wilson: “The self-described ‘paleo-Confederate’ has argued that wives should submit to their husbands, women should be denied the vote and Christian enslavers were on ‘firm scriptural ground.’” You can read the full story in a gift article here.
12. James Talarico Discusses Christian Nationalism with Stephen Colbert
James Talarico, the democratic candidate for the US Senate from Texas, spoke with Stephen Colbert about Christian Nationalism. The interview, which can be viewed here, is well worth your time.
As you likely know, the interview aired on Youtube rather than on Colbert’s show on CBS because CBS refused to permit Talarico to appear on the show. Colbert did a masterful, and outrageously funny, job of explaining the situation here, Don't miss it!
13. IRAS Summer Conference
Details about the IRAS (Institute on Religion in an Age of Science) annual summer conference has been released. This year’s event, scheduled for 28 June – 5 July 2026, is entitled Co-Creating a Thriving Future: An Alchemy of Belief and Choice. You can learn more here.
14. Rabbis Protest ICE
The Washington Post ran a story describing how rabbis are learning productive ways to protest ICE actions. The headline of the story explains the situation: For these clergy, Trump’s immigration blitz became a call to action. I’m pleased to say that three members of The Clergy Letter Project were featured: Rabbi Darby Leigh, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum and Rabbi Shoshanna Perry. You can read the story in a gift article here.
15. Faith in Place Denounces EPA Rule
Faith in Place has issued a powerful statement in response to EPA’s decision to rescind federal authority to regulate the emissions fueling the climate crisis. The statement notes that “This ruling is beyond irresponsible. It is outright dangerous and unjust. It denies science, undermines public health, and knowingly sacrifices vulnerable communities to protect polluters' profits.” It goes on to say, “Our diverse faith traditions teach that breath is sacred. In Hebrew, ruach means spirit, wind, breath. What is at stake here is not an abstract policy debate—it is life itself.” You can read more here.
16. Grace Wolf-Chase on Importance of Public Involvement in Science
Our very own Grace Wolf-Chase was interviewed for a podcast hosted by The Civic Science Media Lab. She does an excellent job of discussing the importance of involving the public in science. You can read a transcript or listen to the podcast here.
17. ICE Targets Clergy of Color
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich discusses abhorrent behavior of ICE personnel in a recent story published by Religion News Service. He explains that “I’ve had some priests who are of a different color being targeted and arrested — stopped — because of their color and asking them to prove that they’re citizens. That’s not America.” Unfortunately, it has become America. You can read the full story here.
18. On Anti-Intellectualism
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 another one of his great essays with us. In this one, entitled “On Anti-Intellectualism,” Ken ranges from Oscar Wilde discussing ignorance to Saint Augustine saying “Hope has two beautiful daughters, anger and courage: anger at the way things are and courage to change them for the better.” You can read his essay here.
19. A New Virus: Christian Nationalism
Ken has shared a second wonderful essay with us this month. This one is entitled “A New Virus: Christian Nationalism. With an opening quotation from John Fugelsang (“I’ve come to view Jesus the way I’ve come to view Elvis. I love the guy, but some of his fan clubs terrify me.”), a closing quote from Fugelsang (“if your church isn’t telling you to love your enemies but keeps telling you who your enemies are, you’re not really in a church.”) and lots of thoughtful commentary in between, Ken has produced an essay you won’t want to miss. You can read it here.
20. Celebrating Religion and Science in Antarctica
Irvine United Congregational Church has a cute video celebrating religion and science weekend in Antarctica. You can view it here.
21. Evolution Under Attack in New Jersey
Although I’m confident that they’re not going anywhere, companion bills have been introduced in the NJ senate and house that would require teachers to present both sides of issues such as evolution and climate change. Failure to comply with the language of the bills could lead to termination. You can read more about this anti-science legislation here.
22. Protecting Evolution Education
There’s some potential good news on the evolution education front. As our good friends at the National Center for Science Education explain, “A model state bill to safeguard the religious neutrality of public education is making headway across the country — and evolution education in particular would be protected.” You can read more about this initiative here.
23. Test Your Knowledge About Darwin
Our good friends at the National Center for Science Education have created a quiz that will allow you to test your knowledge about Darwin’s life and work. You can take the quiz here.
24. Why the Conversation Matters
Covalence Magazine shared the transcript of a podcast with Pastor Will Rose, a member of The Clergy Letter Project. The focus of the podcast was how faith and science can move beyond conflict and into meaningful conversations – something at the heart of The Clergy Letter Project. You can read the transcript and learn more about the podcast here.
Concluding Thoughts
Now that the Middle East has devolved into a war instigated by the United States and Israel, death and destruction have reached new levels. The ripple effects of this conflict is likely to impact all of us with, like most things, the most vulnerable among us suffering the most. At times like this, with our social fabric fraying – and being picked apart by our (supposed) leaders – it almost seems like a luxury to be worrying about religion and science. But the fact is, religion and science are both centered on the concepts of truth and of sharing of ideas. If, as a society, we can make our way back to those principles, there is the possibility of rebuilding healthy communities. With that perspective in mind, our work together at The Clergy Letter Project is far from insignificant. Thank you for your continued support.
You’ve likely noticed that this month’s newsletter is longer than usual. Indeed, there’s so much going on that needed to be shared. And because events happen so quickly, and the news cycle churns through items so quickly, I suspect that you may well be familiar with some of the above items. Such is the problem of a monthly newsletter. Nonetheless, I felt that all these items deserved some attention, so I’ve included them. Thanks for reading.
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