Over the centuries Malvern has had strong links with science. The second Prior of
Malvern, Walcher, was a distinguished astronomer and mathematician, who introduced
to the West the astrolabe and Arabic numerals. Charles Darwin’s much loved daughter,
Annie, is buried at Malvern Priory. Radar was developed in Malvern, and the Royal
Radar Establishment and Qinetiq have been located there.
As part of its 925 Anniversary Celebrations in 2010, Malvern Priory hosted a series
of eminent scientists, speaking about their science and their Christian faith. These
included the Revd John Polkinghorne, Sir Gilliam Prance and Nobel prize winning
astronomer Tony Hewish. From that beginning has grown the annual Walcher Lecture,
with further distinguished speakers, including physicists, a climatologist, a molecular
biologist and a geophysicist.
This year there will be three lectures at Malvern Priory, on consecutive nights at
7.30pm. Next Wednesday, 23 September Andrew Sims, Emeritus Professor of
Psychiatry, will speak on “Is Faith Delusion?” On Thursday, Meric Srokosz, Professor of
Physical Oceanography, will speak on “Oceans, Climate Change, and Christianity”, and
on Friday Simon Conway-Morris, Professor of Evolutionary Paleobiology, will speak on
“Is the Evolution of Humans Inevitable?” All are welcome and entry is free.
Please pray for all those involved in
organising the science and faith lectures
at Malvern Priory this week, for the
speakers and all those who will attend.
Malvern Deanery – Rural Dean: Peter
Knight; Lay Chair: David Sparkes
Diocese of Southern Brazil: Bishop
Humberto Maiztegue
Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry
(Ireland): Bishop Patrick Rooke
Diocese of Bath & Wells: Bishop Peter
Hancock with Bishop-designate
Ruth Worsley
