The United Church of Christ is launching a web-based ad campaign directed at scientists “with hopes of mending a millenniums-old feud between religion and science.”

“Our hope is to begin to move the church to the place where its

public image, public witness and public identity is one of a

community of faith that is eager to engage science and to welcome and

honor scientists,” said the Rev. John H. Thomas, the UCC’s general

minister and president.

The UCC has purchased ads on more than 30 popular science-oriented

blogs during the month of February. The ads “seek to promote both a

pro-science, pro-faith message,” says a UCC release that landed in my in-box.

“Through our Stillspeaking Initiative, the United Church of Christ

has been intentional about seeking out groups of people that have

been marginalized by the church, either intentionally or

unintentionally,” Thomas said. “And, frankly, when it comes to

persons engaged in scientific inquiry – geneticists, mathematicians,

chemists, engineers, science teachers and students – the church has a

history of communicating disinterest, distrust and even hostility.”

The 2,400-word pastoral letter, titled “A New Voice Arising,” is

being distributed in February to each of the UCC’s 5,700 local

churches. Accompanying materials suggest how churches can host

opportunities for further study and science-related group sharing.