Rhondda Valley priest who ponders distant galaxies pens thoughts on science and faith

An Oxford physicist who studied distant galaxies before becoming a Catholic priest has been exploring the relationship between faith and science in a new series of popular essays.

Revd Dr. Gareth Leyshon, parish priest of Treforest, Llantrisant, and the Rhondda Valleys, has recently been commissioned by the Bishops’ Conference to explore the intersection of science and faith in a new series of web essays. Fr Gareth read Physics at Oxford and completed a doctorate at Cardiff (a study of the structure of distant galaxies) before entering seminary, and has long maintained a passion for science communication, covering topics as diverse as astrophysics and zoology. His work aims to illuminate how scientific inquiry and faith can coexist and enrich our understanding of the world.

Since 2019, our bishops have encouraged Catholics to engage with Scripture in new ways through the God Who Speaks initiative. As part of this effort, in 2020, an artist created the mosaic Little Bits of God, commemorating the 1600th anniversary of St. Jerome’s translation of the Bible into Latin. Over time, the initiative’s website – the God Who Speaks– has expanded to include resources for liturgical seasons, reflections on faith in the workplace, and now, an exploration of how Scripture and science complement each other in offering different perspectives on creation and existence.

Fr. Gareth’s series of articles delve into the search for scientific truth and the awe inspired by the intricate balance and order of the universe. He addresses pressing questions around genetics, such as, “What does it mean to be human?” and “What do genealogical tests truly reveal about our identity?”

Beyond his writing, Fr. Gareth has made significant contributions to the dialogue between science and faith. In 2015, he delivered the annual sermon at the Darwin Festival, and he has twice preached at the Orkney International Science Festival (2013 & 2019).

Fr. Gareth’s unique combination of scientific expertise and theological insight makes his work a compelling resource for anyone interested in how faith and science inform one another.

You can read Fr Gareth’s articles here: https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/scripture-science-series-1/