Professor in creationism row quits Royal Society

The row over teaching creationism in schools escalated today after a leading Royal Society member quit after calling for it to be included in science lessons.

The Rev Professor Michael Reiss stepped down as the society's director of education after saying last week that science teachers should see creationism as a "world view" instead of a "misconception". Around 10 per cent of British children come from families with creationist beliefs, the ordained minister told the British Association science conference.

The comments caused outrage and the Royal Society, which initially stood by Professor Reiss, today said he should go. In a statement it said: "The society's position is that creationism has no scientific basis and should not be part of the science curriculum.

"However, if a young person raises creationism in a science class, teachers should be in a position to explain why evolution is a sound scientific theory and why creationism is not scientific."

Leading scientists said the row threatened to "diminish" the institution. Fertility pioneer Lord Winston said: "This individual was arguing that we should address public misconceptions about science - something the Royal Society should applaud."