What Christian denominations acknowledge evolution?

Answer 1

Acceptance or rejection of evolutionary theory is not denomination specific, however a denomination that takes The Bible very literally is more likely to have followers how reject evolution and a denomination that take the Bible liberally is more likely to accept evolution.

The Pope has said that Darwin's theory of evolution does NOT conflict with the Bible, so Catholics are more likely to accepts evolution but there are still some Catholics who still reject it.

AnswerCatholic ChurchThe Catholic Church has now reacted favourably to evolution: Pope Pius XII stated in his encyclical Humani Generis(1950) that there was no opposition between evolution and the doctrine of the faith and that he considered the doctrine of "evolutionism" a serious hypothesis, worthy of investigation and in-depth study equal to that of the opposing hypothesis; Pope John Paul II, in an address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (1996), said that new knowledge has led to the recognition of the theory of evolution as more than a hypothesis; Pope Benedict has refused to endorse "intelligent design" theories, instead backing "theistic evolution" which considers that God created life through evolution with no clash between religion and science. Episcopal ChurchThe Episcopal Church has said that the theory of evolution does not conflict with Christian faith. In 2006, the General Convention affirmed, via Resolution A129, that God is creator and added that "the theory of evolution provides a fruitful and unifying scientific explanation for the emergence of life on earth, that many theological interpretations of origins can readily embrace an evolutionary outlook, and that an acceptance of evolution is entirely compatible with an authentic and living Christian faith." Church of EnglandThe Church of England is considering the possibility of apologising posthumously to Darwin, for its earlier condemnation of his theory Greek Orthodox ChurchThe Greek Orthodox Church is divided between Compatibilists who hold that science and theology are compatible, and Incompatibilists who hold that science can be incompatible with faith. Many Incompatibilists reject evolution. United Methodist ChurchGeneral Conference, the only entity that speaks for the United Methodist Church, makes these three statements regarding evolution:

• "We find that science's descriptions of cosmological, geological, and biological evolution are not in conflict with theology." (¶ 160. F. The Book of Discipline 2008)
• "The General Conference of The United Methodist Church goes on record as opposing the introduction of any faith-based theories such as Creationism or Intelligent Design into the science curriculum of our public schools." (Resolution 5052 of The Book of Resolutions 2008)
• "[The United Methodist Church] endorses The Clergy Letter Project and its reconciliatory programs between religion and science, and urges United Methodist clergy participation." (From resolution 1027 of The Book of Resolutions 2008)

The theological justification is: "We find that as science expands human understanding of the natural world, our understanding of the mysteries of God's creation and word are enhanced." (¶ 160. F. The Book of Discipline 2008)

Presbyterian ChurchThe Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Theology and Worship, 1969 GA-approved theological statement on the subject, evolution and the Bible, stated, "Neither Scripture, our Confession of Faith, nor our Catechisms, teach the Creation of man by the direct and immediate acts of God so as to exclude the possibility of evolution as a scientific theory." However, it appears that the Southern Presbyterians dissent from this view. Mormon ChurchAlthough the Mormon Church has no position on evolution, it has produced a number of official doctrinal statements on the "origin of man". These statements generally adopt the position, as a church-approved encyclopedia states, "[t]he scriptures tell why man was created, but they do not tell how, though the Lord has promised that he will tell that when he comes again". National Council of Churches USAA National Council of Churches USA committee has released a resource on the teaching of evolution in public school science classes, "to assist people of faith who experience no conflict between science and religion as they consider the issues around the teaching of evolution." Members of the NCC's Committee on Public Education and Literacy represent: the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ; the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; the Episcopal Church; the Presbyterian Church (USA); the Progressive National Baptist Convention; the United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Ministries; the United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society; and the United Methodist Women. The Church of the NazareneThe Church of the Nazarene, an evangelical Christian denomination, sees "knowledge acquired by science and human inquiry equal to that acquired by divine revelation." Uniting Church of AustraliaThe Uniting Church of Australia appears to have no official position, but an overwhelming majority of its clergy acknowledge evolution.