Who can join?

The S.O.Sc. is a dispersed society; we live apart, but share a discipline of prayer, gathering, and mindfulness.

Associate membership is open to anyone with a committed interest in science and Christianity.

Full Members hold authority in the Church and in the scientific community. It is open to those with expertise in science – formal qualifications or career experience – and a recognized ministry in the Church, including a call discerned by the community, formal training, a recognized ministerial role, and a lifetime commitment.

How do I join?

1) Talk to a member of the Society and find out about what we’re doing

2) Send in an application form to the Warden or Provincial Warden (in North America). [SOSc App][SOSc App-NAP]

3) The Warden may put you in touch with a member to explore what it means to be a member. Key questions include how joining can aid your ministry and the ministry of the society.

4) The Warden, in consultation with the Committee, will review your application.

5) If the Warden agrees you are a good fit, you will be accepted as an associate of the Society.  Associates seeking full membership, will be accepted as members at a Eucharist when next they are able to join the Society for a retreat.  Members initially make a one year vow.  If they find that membership contributes to their participation in the life of Christ, they go on to take either a three-year or lifetime vow to follow the rule and serve the aims of the Society.

Do I have to be an expert in the natural sciences?

Most of us have been involved in the natural sciences, but others come from social sciences, as well as engineering, medicine, and mathematics.

Expertise usually means a postgraduate degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.S., or B.Sc. Hons.) or at least three years working full time in the field. Several members have expertise as theorists and philosophers of science. Members have been called and qualified to share the wisdom of a larger scientific community.

Do I have to be an Anglican?

Our home is in the Anglican tradition, but members and associates span the Christian faith. We ask that you belong to a Trinitarian Christian community and are comfortable joining us in Holy Communion.

Presently, the Society includes Methodist, Lutheran, Reform, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, United Church of Christ, and Roman Catholic members and associates as well as Anglicans from around the world.

Do I have to be a priest?

Most members are priests and deacons, but others are pastors, ministers, and religious (brothers and sisters). Authority looks different in different churches, but generally we look for a recognized ministry in the Church, including a call discerned by the community, formal training, a recognized ministerial role, and a lifetime commitment.

There are no requirements for associates and scientist seminarians often join as associates with the intention of becoming full members when they are ordained.

Should I join?

We hope you’ll think about it. The Society is a wonderful place to share your experiences of living in the worlds of science and faith. We have found that our practices of daily prayer and regular retreat deepen our relationships with God and neighbor, making us better scientists and better ministers. If you have any questions, drop us a note and say hello. We love to talk with people who love the things we do.