“I am a Priest and a Scientist” – An Interview with the Revd Dr Kwamena Sagoe – Vice Chair of the Anglican Communion Science Commission  

The Revd Dr Kwamena Sagoe has been Co-chair of the Anglican Communion Science Commission since April 2023.  Ahead of the Lambeth Conference Science and Faith webinar and series in July, the Ghana based Scientist and Priest, talks about his work and how science is at the core of his faith.  

What do you do? 

I am a molecular and public Health Virologist at the University of Ghana Medical School in the Department of Medical Biology and the Head of the Virology Unit. My primary research has been HIV and issues with typing, epidemiology and drug resistance. Lately, we had an African Development Bank grant to establish a clinical centre to develop vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. We are hoping to discover something useful for mankind.   

In 2017 I was ordained priest in the Anglican Diocese of Accra. I try to wear two hats as a priest and as a Lecturer at the University.  

Why is the Science Commission important? 

The Science Commission’s role is to establish knowledge-based systems bringing science and faith together in the Anglican Communion. It aims to help Christians take decisions relating to science and faith and be confident with the decisions that we take. That is why the idea is to have hubs across the Communion and to allow these hubs to develop and spread. Even though it is focused on Anglicans, ultimately, if it is impactful, then it will reach others as well, not just Anglicans.  

It is important because technology is growing rapidly. You can’t separate science from your faith. Two weeks ago, I was going to preach. I only had my phone. I didn’t have my Bible commentary. So, I turned to AI which answered my questions.  

Technology will continue to develop.  But the issue is whether technology is going to let us play God? This is the question I have coming from a background with some knowledge in genetics. How far do we go and how far do we stay away?  

There are pertinent issues like having surrogate mothers. Should we allow that? As a Church what should our position be? Technology is good, but do we just let it take free reign and do anything because it can?  

 As a Church we should have a position based on what scripture and science say. No one person has the answer. This is why we need the theologians and scientists to sit and agree that this is what we believe will be pleasing to God. St Paul says that all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. The fact that something can be done doesn’t mean it has to be done.  

A time is coming when Christians should be empowered because we are coming to a point where a lot of decisions will have to be made based on science and faith. Clergy should be empowered because they will encounter problems. They should be empowered by science to make decisions as to what is acceptable and not.  There are deep questions that we need to answer and address. I am certain that faith will guide us.  

 

Announcing: 'Science and Faith'.
Next in Phase 3 of the Lambeth Conference

On July 3 and 4, the Anglican Communion Office team are running webinars on the Lambeth Call on Science and Faith.

open to all:
the Phase 3 webinars