William Temple Foundation

Ethical Futures: Digital and Ecological is a multi-disciplinary network of theologians, philosophers, natural and social scientists, artists, practitioners, academics and activists with shared interests in developing theological responses to ecological challenges and new digital technologies.

The network emerged from conversations following the publication of a book in 2017 by Senior Research Fellow Rev’d Dr John Reader, entitled Theology and New Materialism: Spaces of Faithful Dissent. Examining the concepts of transcendence, human agency, and a New Enlightenment, Reader’s book also moves into more practical areas of aesthetics and technology and a response to the contemporary apocalyptic of climate change.

Following the launch of the book in Oxford, subsequent meetings and discussions have been held with a growing number of scholars and activists, interested to challenge and develop the themes it engages, particularly the ethical questions that lie at the intersections between our algorithmic society, the contemporary ecological crisis and religion.

This work follows in the tradition of William Temple, who was deeply concerned with, not only social justice, but also the environmental sustainability of our earth and the impact of technology.

“As a general principle upon which alone the solid foundations of peace can be built, we should recognise that the resources of the earth should be used as God’s gift to the whole human race, and used with due consideration for the needs of the present and future generations.”

Read more about the members of this network here.