October 1, 2008

Royal Society of Canada

Dear Colleagues:

The RSC office has received some calls requesting that it state its position in the debate about Intelligent Design vs Evolution. Through publications over the last decades (identified in Dr. Bélisle's appended e-mail response to a journalist) and the RSC support of the IAP Statement on the Teaching of Evolution, the Society has made its position explicit.

Intelligent Design is a religious belief, and Evolution is the only credible scientific position that is defensible. The RSC position in support of evolution has been consistent: from a scientific point of view, the teaching of Evolution is a benchmark for legitimacy. Other theories or positions, such as Intelligent Design, are not scientific in basis or nature.

On March 27, 2006, the Society was signatory to the IAP Statement of international Academies of Sciences. The Statement, whose full text will appear on our website toward the end of May, urges "decision makers, teachers, and parents to educate all children about the methods and discoveries of science and to foster an understanding of the science of nature." It underscores the importance of "evidence-based facts about the origins and evolution of the Earth and of life on this planet."

Consequently the position of the RSC is clear on this matter.

Patricia Demers
President

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