Land, Landscape and Faith

Carlisle Cathedral and the University of Cumbria have been awarded a grant of £9,850 to explore the relationship of science and religion in Cumbrian landscapes and farming.

Carlisle Cathedral is one of 15 churches and Christian organisations in the UK to receive funding from Scientists in Congregations, a grant programme run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS), for 2026-27. Recipients include a cathedral, a community farm, and a Methodist art project. 

The project - Land, Landscape and Faith – is a joint project between the Cathedral and the University of Cumbria. Drawing from the heritage of Carlisle Cathedral, and its unique set of 12 “Labours of the Months” carvings, which depict the practical farming endeavours of mediaeval Cumbria, the project will draw together scientists, farmers, clergy, school children and the communities of Carlisle Cathedral to explore the links between the science of land recovery and management and faith.

The project will use the ancient rhythm of the agricultural year described by the “Labours of Months” carvings as a focus through which the insights of contemporary science can encourage a richer understanding of the links between our care for creation and the life of faith.

Land, Landscape and Faith will include not only public engagement and interpretation at Carlisle Cathedral, but also the opportunity for Cumbrian clergy and school children to explore these themes on a working farm.

Pictured right, the Rev’d Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral and co-director of the project, said: “We are very excited to embarking on this innovative and and exciting project. Working with colleagues from the University of Cumbria and communities from across our county we believe this project will allow a deeper understanding of the vital insights of contemporary research and practice in land management and recovery and the stories of Christian faith. In particular the project will link these scientific insights with the deep patterns of creation care and management present within the stories of the bible and the heritage of Carlisle Cathedral as Cumbria’s Cathedral.

David Wilkinson, ECLAS Project Director, said: “We are proud to make this significant investment into advancing the science-faith dialogue in the UK. These projects, which represent a wide range of topics, faith traditions, and geographic reach, will become exemplars to other churches and theological colleges who want to weave engagement with science and scientists into their mission and ministry.”

ECLAS and the Scientists in Congregations grant programme are funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

Scientists in Congregations awardees and projects, 2026-27:

• GoHealth (£8,295). Spiritual Intelligence in Practice: Breath Prayers
• St Matthew’s Church, Walsall (£9,850). Embodied Faith: How Does God Meet us in Body?
• Farnham Churches Network (£4,750). Caring for Planet Earth: Science and Christian Responses to Climate Change.
• Christleton Parish Church (£7,700). The Role of Science in the Coming of God’s Kingdom.
• St Nic’s Church, Durham (£10,000). Enduring Call, Changing Climate.
• Shieldfield Art Works (10,328). Creating Fallow.
• King’s Church, Warrington (£8,000). Escape Room
• St George’s Church, Hyde (£8,562). The Science Club.
• Carlisle Cathedral (£9,850). Land, Landscape and Faith.
• Jubilee Farm, Co. Antrim (£9,546). Eating Creation: Exploring the Relationship Between Food, Health and the Environment.
• Youthscape with Christians in Science (£5,000). Wonder, Wow, Worship @Satellites 2026.
• The Projection Studio (£9,600). Without a Voice, They Speak.
• Lanchester Methodist Church (£3,260). The Mustard Seed Microscope.
• St Olave, Hart Street, London (£8,000). Fire and Faith: Exploring Science and Theology Through the Great Fire of London.
• Church of Ireland (£2,071.20). How Can You Be a Scientist and a Christian?

ENDS